After completing your undergraduate degree you may wish to pursue further education in the form of a postgraduate research degree. These degrees are personalised, with each student undertaking research on a different topic, and prepare students for a science-related career.
![Two students working in a lab](https://www.otago.ac.nz/__data/assets/image/0032/297167/two-students-working-in-a-lab-644264.jpg)
PGDipSci & Honours
The most common one-year postgraduate degrees in biochemistry
are the BSc(Hons) and PGDipSci. They include coursework and a research project.
are the BSc(Hons) and PGDipSci. They include coursework and a research project.
![Immunofluorescence microscopy](https://www.otago.ac.nz/__data/assets/image/0028/296551/immunofluorescence-microscopy-644260.jpg)
Masters
The Master of Science (MSc) degree usually takes two years. It has a coursework component in the first year, and a research project that spans both years.
Students who have completed an honours degree or postgraduate diploma may choose to do a one year research only MSc or MBiomedSc.
Students who have completed an honours degree or postgraduate diploma may choose to do a one year research only MSc or MBiomedSc.
![X-Ray crystallography](https://www.otago.ac.nz/__data/assets/image/0026/284273/x-ray-crystallography-644267.jpg)
PhD
A PhD is the highest degree that can be awarded at Otago. It is research only, and is expected to take about three years to complete.