Master of Applied Science

Your workload

As a full-time student, you'll be expected to complete 30-35 hours per week. This programme is taught with intensive blocks, online classes and industry placements.

We know full-time study isn't always possible. You can also study this programme part-time over three years.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements 

• Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science at Level 8 OR equivalent, with an overall grade of B+ (75%), for admission to the Masters by Research, OR 
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science at Level 8 OR equivalent, with an overall grade of B+ in the final 60 credits OR an equivalent postgraduate qualification of 120 credits in a related area with an overall grade of B+, for admission to the Masters by Practice.
• Exceptional applicants not meeting the qualification requirements, but who have appropriate documented professional experience, may also be considered for admission. 

English Language Requirements 

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Additional criteria

• All applicants who are accepted must obtain a First Aid Certificate, and complete the requirements of the Children’s Act 2014 (including police vetting), prior to commencing classes.
• An interview panel consisting of the Postgraduate Coordinator and relevant postgraduate supervisors will interview and select applicants. 

Covid-19 vaccination information 

• Placements are an integral part of this programme. You'll need to complete the practical elements of this qualification to successfully achieve it and some placement/work providers may want to see evidence of your vaccination status. Our objective is to support your success in whatever qualification you enrol in but this is also dependent on you meeting requirements set by third party placement providers. We cannot guarantee you a placement if you do not meet these requirements. 

Selection criteria

Where there are more applicants than places, an interview panel consisting a member of the Bachelor Leadership Team and relevant academic staff will interview and select applicants, with candidates prioritised on the basis of strength of academic record. 

Applicants who do not meet the entry or selection criteria will be directed to a path of study to help prepare them for application in the future.

Pathways into this programme

Applicants without a base degree need to discuss options with the programme teaching team. Please email ebsTOO@op.ac.nz

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.

Additional costs

Learners are expected to purchase a uniform ($200) - this is important for industry placements. In addition it is suggested that you have your own laptop/tablet that you are able to bring with you.

Multi-year fees

The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.