Advance your biomedical expertise
Study Biomedical Science at our School of Biological Sciences. Carry out research and deepen your knowledge and skills in your specialist field.
Biomedical Science focuses on cell and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, biological and medicinal chemistry, physiology, or environmental health. Depending on your programme, you’ll carry out and document new experiments, or prepare a full research thesis where you contribute to knowledge in your field.
You’ll gain advanced technical and laboratory skills, and learn to effectively communicate your findings. Graduate ready to continue your learning and research at the University, or in hospitals and medical research institutes.
Choose your study path
There are several ways that you can study Postgraduate Biomedical Science with us. Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you'll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you'll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Focus on coursework
- Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research
- Postgraduate Diploma in Drug Discovery and Development
Coursework and research
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Master of Biomedical Science (coursework)
- Master of Clinical Research
- Master of Drug Discovery and Development
Focus on research
- Master of Biomedical Science (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Industry connections
Explore biology at a school ranked top in New Zealand for its research quality. Study in Wellington —the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand's science industry and community.
There are opportunities to engage in ground-breaking international research and discovery. You'll get the chance to take advantage of the University's close relationships.
Find out more about the School of Biological Sciences and its research connections.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Biomedical Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Go on to a career in research, diagnostics, or biotechnology.
You might work as a scientist or laboratory technician in a:
- hospital
- Crown Research Institute
- private research organisation
- pharmaceutical company.
You might work as a:
- genetic counsellor
- teacher
- science writer
- university academic.
With further training, you could become a medical doctor.
With your broad scientific training you might also find employment in related fields, such as patents and intellectual property, regulation or policy.
Become a science teacher
Completing a postgraduate qualification in secondary teaching could lead to roles teaching science Find out more about each of teaching career options, studying to be a teacher and finding teaching jobs.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Biomedical Science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Biomedical Science
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Biomedical Science
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Research an area that interests you
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand’s top-ranked university for intensity of high-quality research.
As part of your Master’s study, you’ll conduct research under the supervision of our staff. You’ll learn from and work with highly qualified academic staff and professional researchers who undertake internationally recognised work.
Browse a list of staff. You can visit their staff profiles to learn about their research interests by clicking on their name.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.