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) is a programme of study that will allow you to choose the knowledge and skills you need to develop and advance your career. At completion you will 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.

When you graduate, you’ll be able to:

• apply advanced technical knowledge and skills – design, conduct and disseminate independent research using recognised industry methodologies, data analysis, and effective problem-solving
• develop and maintain collaborative relationships with mana whenua and a range of stakeholders
• contribute to improved practice and environmental sustainability in business, government, and non-governmental sectors through critical evaluation, new knowledge, insight, and innovation
• apply cross-cultural perspectives, 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
• critically assess the impacts of human activity on the global environment and how environmental management in Aotearoa could address these issues.

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 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. 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): 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. 

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 the master’s degree level and beyond. Check out the scholarships listed below;

• Check out the Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) Scholarships we have on offer or have a chat with our Scholarship Advisor- Postgraduate Scholarships.
• View all other scholarships

 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
• 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

$8,200 (NZD) per year

(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) Save upto $2,500 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.

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 - Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students