Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and Biodiversity Management)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Studying a double major in the Bachelor of Applied Science means you get a wide range of course options in animal behaviour and welfare and biodiversity management.
Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Animal behaviour and welfare is a rapidly growing field of study and work. This unique programme will prepare you with the applied knowledge and skills you need to be successful in a wide range of emerging animal management and welfare careers.
This programme addresses the demand for ethical professionals in industries and organisations associated with the behaviour and care of animals. You’ll develop an understanding of animal behaviour modification, health and welfare, handling and husbandry, conservation, and human/animal interactions.
Biodiversity Management
You’ll explore how ecosystems function and support biological diversity and how biodiversity managers (including government agencies, non-statutory organisations, and voluntary bodies) are responding to increasing concern over the impact of human activities on the world.
Find out how society views and influences the natural environment, discover how social, cultural, and policy frameworks influence management decisions, and develop your knowledge and skills related to plant identification.
Programme highlights
- A holistic approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience in simulated and real-world situations;
- Visits to relevant environmental and/or animal-related organisations and voluntary groups; you may even be able to undertake part of your studies at one of their sites;
- An opportunity to complete a research project in an area of your interest to develop the skills you’ll need for a career in your chosen field;
- A teaching team of highly qualified and experienced animal behaviour experts, animal trainers, scientists, veterinarians, botanists, ornithologists, and ecologists;
- In Biodiversity Management, we’ll help you develop your knowledge and confidence in plant identification, one of our biggest strengths and an essential skill in the conservation industry.
Please note: There is a chance this programme will take an extra semester, depending on the timetables of the individual courses you select. This can be discussed during the application process.
Where from here
Upon completing this programme, you can go on to further study in Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management)
Career Options
- Animal behaviour and/or welfare consultant
- Animal facility manager
- Animal handler
- Animal welfare scientific officer
- Biodiversity analyst or advisor
- Biosecurity analyst or advisor
- Conservation Manager for DoC or Iwi
- Ecologist
- Geographic information systems (GIS) analyst
- Park ranger (Council or DoC)
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$8,000
(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
$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (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 timings, refer to the specific course webpage.
For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.
Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and Biodiversity Management) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
You must have completed at least one of the following:
- Successful completion of New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care – Companion Animals
- A minimum of 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, with:
- 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Statistics), with;
- a further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework or plus;
- a minimum of 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau on the National Qualifications Framework: plus
- 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (a minimum of 4 credits must be in Reading and a minimum of 4 credits must be in Writing);
- At least 3 ‘C’ passes in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations;
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.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Applyonline, 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.
About the provider
Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.