University
University of CanterburyThis course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2023
Campus
University of Canterbury
The Master of Science usually consists of two parts: coursework and a thesis allowing for students to investigate areas of interest to them and conduct independent and original research. The MSc may be awarded with Distinction, Merit or Honours.
Part I of the MSc consists of coursework, while Part II consists of a thesis or dissertation. Coursework must be satisfactorily completed in Part I before the student can proceed to Part II. The requirements vary depending on your choice of subject, as some subjects require only Part II.
Microbiology is the study of organisms such as algae, fungi, bacteria, and viruses that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These micro-organisms are abundant and diverse, and they affect humans in both negative and positive ways. Some micro-organisms cause diseases in humans, other animals, or agricultural crops, and are therefore of significance to our biosecurity. Others can be used to benefit humans, such as microbes that can be used to kill insect pests (bio-control) and those that destroy harmful chemicals such as pesticides (bio-remediation). Other microbes are simply essential to the maintenance of all life, such as those that generate oxygen and other critical elements.
This is a broad major, covering bacteria, archaea, eukaryotic microbes and viruses, and environmental, evolutionary, and molecular microbiology.
Career opportunities
The broad and transferable skills gained from following this pathway open up many career options, many of which may include some component of laboratory work such as culturing micro-organisms, sequencing DNA, identifying species.
Graduates who specialise in Microbiology may take up careers like: Manager at a brewery; Technical Compliance Officer for a food safety company; Laboratory technician or manager; Medical laboratory technician at Canterbury Health.
Start date: Monthly by arrangement with supervisor
Candidates must have completed one of the following:
Students who have qualified for a Bachelor of Science with Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in Science can complete the MSc by Part II only (thesis-only) in their subject.
Applicants must also satisfy our English language entry requirements:
Application deadline: At least 6 months before the planned start date.
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