Advice and forms for postgraduate Science

First steps

It is important that you talk to the relevant School about your proposed research. Part-time enrolment must be on the grounds of medical, family, financial or other exceptional circumstances. Ensure you have discussed this with your thesis supervisors.

Make sure you also understand what your department will provide. They will be able to tell you what their policy is for funding such things as:

• printing
• library resources (eg the costs of interloan material)
• conference attendance
• field work
• studio materials
• desk and computer facilities.

Grade point average (GPA) for entry to postgraduate study

Normally students will have achieved the following grade point average in the required courses for their undergraduate degree major.

• BSc(Hons) - GPA 6-9: B+ and above
• Masters - GPA 5-9: B and above
• PGDipSc - GPA 4-9: B- and above

Note: Departments or Schools may require a higher grade point average than in these guidelines, so please check with them for further information.

Entry from MSc Part I to Part II Thesis

The minimum entry requirement is a C+ (GPA 3) for all courses in Part I. Please note that a higher grade point average may be required by Departments/Schools and in some cases the requirement may be subject specific. For example, Hazard and Disaster Management normally requires a B grade average or better for entry to MSc Part II Thesis. Please seek clarification from the University Calendar.

Normally students will have achieved the following grade point average in the required courses for their undergraduate degree major.

• BSc(Hons) - GPA 6-9: B+ and above
• Masters - GPA 5-9: B and above
• PGDipSc - GPA 4-9: B- and above

Note: A Department or School may require a higher grade point average than in these guidelines, so please check the Department/School's website for further information.

Entry from MSc Part I to Part II Thesis

The minimum entry requirement is a C+ (GPA 3) for all courses in Part I. Please note that a higher grade point average may be required by Departments/Schools and in some cases the requirement may be subject specific. For example, Hazard and Disaster Management normally requires a B grade average or better for entry to MSc Part II Thesis. Please seek clarification from the University Calendar.

1. Obtain approval to enrol

School approval is required before students can enrol for a thesis or Dissertation.

2. Apply to enrol

First-time masters thesis enrolment

To undertake a masters thesis for the first time, students must enrol by phoning the University’s Contact Centre 0800 827 748. You will need to advise the Contact Centre your thesis start date.  Typical start dates are the first day of semester, or the first Monday in any month. You will also need to advise the Contact Centre if you are studying part-time (78 points).

Thesis course enrolment cannot be approved until you pass MSc Part I courses.

3. Accept your enrolment offer

You must accept your enrolment offer before the enrolment can be completed, fees paid, and university services accessed.

4. Register a research proposal

Once you are fully enrolled, your first task will be to complete and have approved your department/school thesis proposal. The next step is for you to complete a . This application must be completed with your supervisor and be approved by the Faculty. Registration of a Research Proposal is due two months after the commencement date of the thesis if enrolled full-time and four months after the commencement date, if enrolled part-time.

Thesis regulations and guidelines can be found on the Postgraduate web page.

5. Submit progress reports

Progress Reports are due six months after the commencement date of your thesis. These reports are required six monthly for the duration of your thesis enrolment.

Continuing enrolment and enrolment status at the time of submission

It is important to note that students must be currently enrolled at the time of submitting their thesis. The length of time allowed before submission of the thesis varies with degree and subject, and whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time. This means that some students will have to re-enrol for a subsequent period or periods of enrolment before their final submission date.

You can view your enrolment status at any time online and you can also view your academic record there. Note that your final submission date will be listed as a note at the bottom of your academic record.

The time limits for each science subject can be found in the degree regulations in the University Calendar (accessible in the Library, department offices, the Faculty Office, or on the UC Web). Contact your Senior Supervisor or the Faculty of Science Academic Manager, if you have any questions.

Suspensions, extensions and changes to full-time/part-time enrolment

Students who wish to apply for a suspension, extension or change their full-time/part-time enrolment status, should first discuss this with their supervisor, before proceeding.

Note: The final date for submission will change if the student changes his/her enrolment status from full-time to part-time, or vice-versa, and if the student is granted an extension or suspension. Applications for such changes must be submitted to the Faculty of Science Office.

Fees 

You enrol and pay fees for each year (or part year) you study for your Masters. If you haven't done this you won't be able to submit your thesis/dissertation and complete your studies.

For more information about fees and costs:

• Fees and costs
• Financial and Enrolment Information for PhD Students, Masters Thesis and Dissertation Students can be found on the University's Policy Library website under the Academic Category.

 Please refer to the information and documents on  Current research masters students | University of Canterbury 

A full list of UC scholarships is available here.