Master of Environmental Science

Study a one-year Master’s to gain the knowledge and experience to tackle the planet’s pressing challenges as a skilled environmental scientist.

Resolve environmental issues

Environmental Science investigates issues like climate change, sea level rise, and the impacts of industries like agriculture and mining. Explore how humans connect with and change the natural environment. Apply a science focus with biology, chemistry, geography, data science, and physics.

Learn tools and techniques to mitigate the human impact on the environment. Analyse complex datasets, draw conclusions, and communicate your results. Learn outside the classroom, with fieldwork such as monitoring the quality of waterways, soil, or air. The information you gather could contribute to policy and regulatory change.

Designed with input from industry professionals, the MEnvSc gives you hands-on, practical experience. You’ll complete real-world projects to make industry connections and graduate career-ready.

Get the postgraduate handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

How you’ll study

Part one

You’ll study core courses in your first two trimesters.

• Understand contemporary environmental science issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.
• Look at both Aotearoa New Zealand and the rest of the world.

You’ll also develop the essential field and lab skills of an environmental scientist. You’ll do independent research on an environmental science topic.

You’ll also focus your study on an area of interest with additional elective courses. These can be from a range of approved courses covering fields such as:

• biology
• chemistry
• geophysics
• geology
• statistics
• social science
• policy
• Māori studies
• law.

Other courses may be considered by the head of the school if they are relevant.

Part two

In Trimester 3, choose between completing either:

• a placement with an employer
• an applied research project.

If you choose to study the Environmental Science Placement and Project course, you will have the chance to spend eight weeks working with an environmental science organisation.

If you only complete part of the MEnvSc

If you complete Part 1 of the Master of Environmental Science and don’t continue on to Part 2, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Environmental Science).

If you complete 60 points of coursework, you can be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Science (Environmental Science).

Part-time study options

You can study for an MEnvSc part time for up to three years.

You will need to do around 20 hours of work a week. Take this into account if you are working.

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.

Research an area that interests you

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is the country’s top-ranked university for intensity of high-quality research.

• See our research performance and rankings.

As part of your Master’s study, you’ll learn from and work with highly qualified academic staff and professional researchers who undertake internationally recognised work.

• Environmental Science staff.

Research institutes

You’ll also have access to knowledge from academics and from across the Faculty of Science and Engineering, through work placements and guest lectures.

This includes specialists from the:

• New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute
• Antarctic Research Centre.

Future careers

Aotearoa New Zealand needs scientifically trained graduates who can influence environmental decision-making. You’ll be able to facilitate the science-policy-practice process throughout government, private sectors, and the community.

Your focus on science gives you opportunities to work in science-related roles, such as:

• environmental scientist
• data and policy analyst
• environmental planner
• land adviser
• conservation coordinator.
• environmental consultant
• environmental educator
• resources manager.

Your Master's degree in Environmental Science can also set you up for intermediate to senior policy and research roles where specialised, in-depth analysis is important.

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.

• postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
• search scholarships.

Applicable scholarships

• Jan Heine Research Scholarship in Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology
• Averil Brent Scholarship in Science.

Summer research 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.

• Summer Scholars Scheme.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Work opportunities

Work as a research assistant

You may be able to work as a research assistant while you study. These are fixed-term, short contracts where you assist an academic on a specific research project.

Work as a tutor

Postgraduate students can apply for positions as tutors and lab demonstrators for undergraduate courses. You'll hear about these jobs through the School as they become available.

Make industry connections

The MEnvSc has been created with input from industry professionals. It gives you hands-on experience with real-world projects to support you to engage with the industry.

The MEnvSc involves close interaction with:

• city and regional councils
• Zealandia eco-sanctuary
• MetService
• GNS Science
• NIWA.

During your study, you’ll also learn from guest lecturers from government agencies and the business sector. This is an opportunity to hear from people practicing in this space already.

Study for a PhD

Master’s students who complete the 180-point MEnvSc and include the ENSC510 (research project) are able to apply to do a PhD.