Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management)

The world is changing rapidly. Climate disruption is happening faster than animals, plants, and human communities can adapt – unless we take extraordinary action. To lead the charge, Aotearoa, New Zealand needs biodiversity professionals who think innovatively, take action, and move seamlessly from the lab into the field. The Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) allows you to choose the knowledge and skills you need to develop and advance your career. You’ll gain high-level analytical and strategic competency and undertake impactful research that contributes directly to your work and the wider industry while working on the ground to refine your practical field-based skills. You can also take 30 credits outside the programme to further strengthen your proficiency in other relevant disciplines. When you graduate, you’ll be able to: Earn and learn: This programme is a mix of online learning and on-campus block courses, field trips, and online learning, 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 co-taught by scientists and other experts from around Aotearoa, New Zealand, through online learning and block courses. With block courses, you may be able to choose what and where you could learn – explore DNA sequencing in Auckland, do environmental monitoring in Rotorua, take part in field work, or explore biosecurity measures for islands and ports in Invercargill. You’ll work closely with local industry partners to apply your learnings in the field or workplace every step of the way. Integrating Western perspectives with Mātauranga Māori: Adapting to environmental crises requires collaboration. In Aotearoa, New Zealand, that means working with local Māori iwi and hapu. This master’s programme balances Indigenous knowledge with scientific understanding to help you 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. You might choose to do a workplace project, collaborate with industry, or acquire research funding for a specific project. The only condition is to base your thesis on a research project that delivers actionable outcomes for the industry or the community. Completing your thesis is a great chance to push your independent research capabilities, and your thesis and industry advisors will be there to support you. Focus on partnership and stakeholder engagement: You’ll hone your 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 (local and national): Depending on where you choose to complete your compulsory on-campus block courses, you’ll 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. At Unitec, we want to manaaki student success wherever we can, and scholarships are one of the ways we do that. We have scholarships that recognise the achievements and the challenges of dedicating yourself to learning, whether in vocational trade, at the undergraduate level, or the master's degree level and beyond. Check out the scholarships listed below; The filters under Award Types, Characteristics, and Status will help refine your search. If you have questions, please email our or book in with a .

What you will need to study this programme. Domestic students You must have completed at least one of the following: 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. And meet one of the English entry requirements; University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page . Non Academic requirements You must have all the following: Attained the age of 20 years on or before the first day of the semester in which study for the programme is to commence; Provided sufficient evidence of aptitude or appropriate work or other life experience that would indicate a successful outcome in the qualification. Don’t meet these Academic requirements? If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online , and we’ll discuss your next steps. If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply ; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.