Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management)

The world is facing two major environmental issues – climate change and biodiversity loss. To tackle these specific issues in Aotearoa, New Zealand, the government is backing local and national initiatives – and they require biodiversity professionals with applied knowledge and field experience to lead the way.

Benefits of the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science programme:

• It’s a one-year qualification that mixes online and on-campus learning
• It introduces you to the world of research with more guidance than a full master’s programme – offering an easy way for working professionals to start postgraduate study.
• There’s plenty of flexibility. You can dive in and study full-time or take one course over a semester – whatever works for you, your lifestyle, and your current work commitments.

When you graduate, you’ll be able to:

• Apply advanced technical knowledge and skills. Critically evaluate advanced knowledge in applied science, including recognised industry methodologies, data analysis, and effective problem-solving skills to investigate issues arising from the human impact on the environment.
• Adapt to diverse working environments, communicate, and collaborate in various applied science working environments to develop and maintain relationships with multiple stakeholders, including government, Māori, and local communities,
• Summarise advanced and new knowledge, insight, and innovation to improve practice in applied science for industry and community stakeholders
• Contribute to improved practice and sustainability through critical analysis and problem-solving to advance innovative practices in environmental sustainability in business, government, and non-governmental sectors.
• Act as an ethical guardian of global biodiversity, applying cross-cultural perspectives that embrace understanding and engagement with indigenous bodies of knowledge, practices, and worldviews with a critical focus on Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in an applied science context.

Highlights

Earn and learn: This programme mixes on-campus and online learning, making it an excellent option for biodiversity professionals who are already working and want to start postgraduate study. 

Move your career up a level: With a postgraduate qualification, you’ll acquire higher-level knowledge and develop the necessary skills for your specialisation, strengthening your CV and increasing the likelihood of a higher salary.

Dip your toes into research: Complete a small industry or community-linked dissertation with the help of a project mentor.

Key focus on Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Put cross-cultural perspectives that embrace understanding and engagement with indigenous bodies of knowledge, techniques, and worldviews into practice.

Spotlight on partnership and stakeholder engagement: Strengthen your relationship-building and collaboration skills to work professionally with Mana Whenua (Aotearoa NZ) and other stakeholders to drive the best outcomes for our land and people. 

Access state-of-the-art facilities (local and national): In on-campus teaching opportunities you will learn in various facilities, including research and computer labs, marae, herbaria, and simulators, with access to specialist equipment and machinery.

Learn from experts across the country: This Diploma programme is supported by highly qualified and respected scientists and industry consultants from around Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Transition into further postgraduate study: This programme cross-credits towards our Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management).

Scholarships and awards

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 at 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 Scholarships team or book in with a Scholarships advisor.

Career Options

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

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$8,200

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$30,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits)

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

For course and class schedules, please refer to the specific course webpage. Courses may start in Semester 1 or Semester 2; however, not all courses are offered in both semesters.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students