Lead the way in science innovation
Molecular Microbiology includes everything from tiny individual microbes to viruses and bacteria, to entire communities of micro-organisms in much larger creatures like rhinos.
A postgraduate qualification in Molecular Microbiology helps examine the big issues in health today. You might investigate how to protect human health in the post-antibiotic era, and look for new and more effective drug targets.
Study with world-leading scientists in the School of Biological Sciences, and benefit from the research expertise and opportunities with its partner research institutes. Study in the classroom and the lab, and use both classical and modern techniques to develop practical skills.
About this subject
Molecular Microbiology gives you the opportunity to investigate:
- prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms
- viruses at the level of DNA and RNA
- proteins and other cell molecules
- microbial gene regulation and expression
- cell to cell communication
- the development of the microbiology field up to the present day
- microorganisms at the genetic and phenotypic levels and their role in infectious diseases
- topics of current interest in microbiology research
- evolution, physiology, and metabolism.
You'll also examine the severity or harmfulness of microbes that cause human, animal and plant diseases—and the interactions between a disease-causing microorganism and its host.
You’ll get practical experience in the characterisation and identification of microbes using both classical and modern techniques.
Choose your study path
To study Postgraduate Molecular Microbiology you’ll need a solid background in cell biology and genetics—previous courses in microbiology are helpful. 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 Certificate in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Coursework and research
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Master of Science (coursework)
Focus on research
- Master of Science (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
For our research-based degrees, it’s important to identify a potential supervisor for your research. Check our staff members' research interests below, and contact the school for more information.
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 Molecular Microbiology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Your teachers are active scientists and world experts in areas such green energy, geo-hazards, global warming, space science, human geography, volcanology, artificial intelligence, drug development, and viral diseases.
Affiliated centres and institutes
Major research centres and institutes are affiliated with our Faculty of Science and Engineering, including:
Future careers
Apply your management and independent research skills to higher level molecular microbiology careers.
You might find work in:
- biosecurity
- biotechnological innovation
- immunology
- laboratory management
- clinical or hospital microbiology labs
- patent and intellectual property
- policy analysis
- research
- teaching.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Molecular Microbiology.
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.
Summer scholarships
There are several summer scholarships available. These give you the opportunity to gain experience in research—with the added bonus of paid work over the summer trimester.
Each scholarship gives you experience working with established researchers on a specified project and an insight into what studying for a research degree entails.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Molecular Microbiology
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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 of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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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.
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.
Summer scholarships
There are several summer scholarships available. These give you the opportunity to gain experience in research—with the added bonus of paid work over the summer trimester.
Each scholarship gives you experience working with established researchers on a specified project and an insight into what studying for a research degree entails.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Molecular Microbiology
-
Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
-
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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The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
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
Some postgraduate qualifications give you the opportunity to research an area of Molecular Microbiology. Our research programmes range from biodiscovery and analysis of natural products, to immunology and cancer cell biology.
You’ll study with highly qualified academic staff and professional researchers who undertake internationally recognised work. Browse a list of potential supervisors and their areas of research.
Academic staff research areas
David Ackerley
Professor of Biotechnology
Nicola Day
Senior Lecturer in Plant Biology
Monica Gerth
Associate Professor
Andrew Munkacsi
Senior Lecturer
Jeremy Owen
Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry
Wayne Patrick
Professor of Biochemistry
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.