Overview

Science - Molecular Cell Biology at Massey University is at the forefront of scientific endeavour. Rapid advances in technology have enabled the genomic revolution, the targeted manipulation of genes, electron microscopy imaging of single biomolecules and computational biology.

Key facts

These exciting developments have united the traditional disciplines of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, and molecular evolution into the field of Molecular Cell Biology.

In the Bachelor of Science (Molecular Cell Biology) you will study the big questions of life:

How does life work at a molecular and cellular level and what keeps it going?
What are cells made of and how do they control their molecular complexity?
How did life start and why is it so diverse?
How are organisms related and how does evolution work at a molecular level?
How do cells go wrong and cause disease; what can we do for prevention and treatment?

You will learn key concepts, theories and experimental methods that help answer these questions. You'll gain a scientific education that enables the application of these ideas to important current issues such as:

strategies to prevent global warming
sustainability in food production
diagnosis, treatment and prevention disease.

The laboratory component of our courses develop your experimental and computational skills in molecular cell biology. Some examples include:

recombinant DNA engineering and protein analysis
microscopy of chromosomes and cell movement
genetic analysis
cellular energetics

computational genome sequencing and evolutionary analysis.

Career

medical laboratories
NZ research institutes (AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Scion, Landcare Research, Environmental Science and Research) as well as international research institutes
agricultural and horticultural sectors: dairy, meat, wool, wheat, forestry, leather
wineries, breweries and food industries
pharmaceutical manufacturing and scientific supply companies
secondary and tertiary educational institutions (education and research)
biotechnology companies
scientific publishers (software and book/journal)
New Zealand Government (Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Tertiary Education Commission), regional and local councils.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Dynamic Cell

Genes and Gene Expression

Genetics and Evolution

The Molecular Cell

Biomedicine

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-19 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-05 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Applications will be considered after these dates if spaces are available.

Language

English

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Disciplines

Biology Molecular Sciences View 14 other Bachelors in Biology in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Birth certificate
Current passport
Residency visa
Citizenship certificate

English language proficiency documents

Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to take this major. However, if you have not studied these subjects we have a pathway for you to progress to your major (see below).

At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology
At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Massey University and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42300 NZD / year

≈ 42300 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8420 NZD / year

≈ 8420 NZD / year

Living costs

Palmerston North

New Zealand

1100 - 2100 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Science - Molecular Cell Biology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key facts

Career

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Palmerston North

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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