Biomedical Sciences

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Director of the Biomedical Sciences programme (or nominee). Every applicant must either: be a graduate of an Honours programme or a Postgraduate Diploma programme in a biomedical subject containing a research dissertation of at least one third of the programme, or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences). Applicants must normally have achieved an average grade of at least B+ in the entry qualification with at least a B+ in the research component.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

The Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiomedSc) is a thesis-only post-graduate degree. The degree involves a one-year (or part-time equivalent) period of supervised research in any one of the Biomedical fields listed below. Upon completion of their projects candidates will submit a Master’s level thesis for examination. Successful completion of this degree provides an excellent foundation for an academic or research career and an internationally recognized stepping stone for entry into a PhD programme.

Admission to the MBiomedSc programme requires candidates to have successfully completed an honours degree or postgraduate diploma in a biomedical subject which contained a research dissertation of at least one-third of the programme. Applicants will normally be expected to have achieved an average grade of at least B+, with a B+ or better in the research component.

The MBiomedSc may, with suitable supervision, be undertaken at the University of Otago’s Dunedin, Christchurch or Wellington campuses, and will awarded in one of the following research areas: Drugs and Human Health; Functional Human Biology; Infection and Immunity; Molecular Basis of Health and Disease; Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health; Reproduction, Genetics and Development.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Students are eligible for the Otago International Excellence Scholarship.