Program Overview

Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management)

The Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) is a flexible, progressive master's programme that allows students to deepen their knowledge and apply what they learn in the field. This programme is designed for biodiversity professionals who want to advance their careers and make a positive impact on the environment.

Programme Overview

The world is changing rapidly, and climate disruption is happening faster than animals, plants, and human communities can adapt. To lead the charge, Aotearoa, New Zealand needs biodiversity professionals who think innovatively, take action, and move seamlessly from the lab into the field. This programme will allow students to choose the knowledge and skills they need to develop and advance their career. At completion, students will gain high-level analytical and strategic competency and undertake impactful research that contributes directly to their work and the wider industry while working on the ground to refine their practical field-based skills.

Programme Highlights

• Earn and learn: This programme is a mix of on-campus learning and field trips, making it an excellent option for biodiversity professionals who are already working and want to start postgraduate study.
• Tap into a national network of experts and industry partners: This master's programme is supported by scientists and other experts from around Aotearoa, New Zealand, through guest lectures.
• Integrating Western perspectives with Mtauranga Mori: Adapting to environmental crises requires collaboration. In Aotearoa, New Zealand, that means working with local Mori iwi and hapu. This master's programme balances Indigenous knowledge with scientific understanding to help students unlock innovative solutions.
• Undertake meaningful research: Choose from a wide range of thesis topics supported by highly qualified supervisors to focus on your area of interest.
• Focus on partnership and stakeholder engagement: Students will hone their relationship-building and collaboration skills to work professionally with mana whenua (indigenous people of the land) and other stakeholders (policymakers, environmental managers, and landowners) and drive the best outcomes for our land and people.
• Lab facilities and outdoor experiences: Students will learn in a range of facilities, including molecular biology, microbiology, and GIS labs, marae, herbaria and invertebrate collections, simulators, outdoors with access to specialist equipment, and machinery.

Career Options

Upon graduation, students can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Biodiversity or biosecurity policy analyst
• Biodiversity or conservation advisor
• Ecologist
• Environmental advisor for business
• Environmental or biosecurity consultant
• Geospatial and land-use specialist
• Programme or project manager
• Project coordinator
• Research, laboratory or field technician
• Taxonomist

Annual Tuition Fees

• Domestic/NZ students: $8,700 (approximate fees only, includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy)
• International students: $30,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits)

Admission Requirements

Domestic Students

• Academic requirements: A recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with merit (an average grade of B- or higher) or a professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as equivalent to merit in a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• English entry requirements: University Entrance Literacy or evidence of English language proficiency.

International Students

• Academic requirements: A recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with merit (an average grade of B- or higher) or a professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as equivalent to merit in a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• English entry requirements: University Entrance Literacy or evidence of English language proficiency.

Courses and Timetables

The programme includes compulsory and elective courses. Compulsory courses are:

• Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement (NSCI8001TP)
• Applied Research Methods (NSCI8002TP)
• Thesis (NSCI9001TP)

Elective courses include:

• Biosecurity: Strategy and Implementation (NSCI8003TP)
• Ecological Restoration (NSCI8006TP)
• Remote Sensing and GIS (NSCI8013TP)
• Taxonomic Methods (NSCI8015TP)

Research Areas

Students can undertake research in a wide range of areas, including biodiversity management, biosecurity, ecological restoration, and taxonomic methods.

Learning Facilities

Unitec's learning facilities include:

• Applied Molecular Solutions Lab
• GIS Laboratory
• The Herbarium

These facilities provide students with hands-on experience and access to specialist equipment and machinery.