Master of Science (MSc) in Ecology and Biodiversity
Study an MSc at Waikato University and you will enjoy more lab and fieldwork, more one-on-one time with top academics and access to world-class research equipment. Our great industry contacts will also mean exciting collaborations with local, national and international companies and organizations.
organisms and their role in New Zealand’s most important ecosystems.
The University of Waikato has a particularly strong reputation for our research program in lake and river ecology and restoration, taking advantage of our close proximity to the Rotorua Lakes District, the Waikato River, and peat lakes and wetlands within the Waikato Region. Other areas of research include estuarine and coastal marine biology, urban ecology, Antarctic terrestrial ecology, and agricultural sustainability and productivity.
Our location provides quick access to coastal marine research, and the University maintains a coastal marine field station in nearby Tauranga. Our location also gives ready access to a broad range of terrestrial environments, including pastoral agriculture and lowland to montane forests.
You’ll gain knowledge of ecological and biological theory, and the practical skills for field identification, surveying, and experimentation with plants, animals, and microbes across a broad range of ecosystems. You’ll gain an understanding of the principles of biological classification and be able to name and classify common organisms found in New Zealand ecosystems.
Campus Information
Hamilton campus
Our main campus is located in the vibrant, multicultural city of Hamilton, with outdoor activities, shopping malls and eateries only a short drive away. On campus, you’ll find a new state-of-the-art Student Centre, sporting facilities, cafes and eateries, car parking, subsidised bus services and more.
Tauranga campus
Our Tauranga campus is located in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD, surrounded by eateries, shopping and accommodation options. The campus itself is a brand-new multi-level building, featuring all the same student services as the Hamilton campus, with the advantage of being in the middle of the city.
Intakes
- March
- July
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
We can help you with career planning, developing your CV and cover letters, interview skills, enhancing your employability skills, volunteering and refining your personal brand. The services can connect you with employers through Career Fairs, employer campus visits and promotion of graduate opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Sustainability advisor
Anthropologist
Biodiversity Management
Climate action specialist
Community educator
Data analyst
Ecologist
Economist
Environmental Scientist
Foreign Affairs Advisor
Media advisor
Policy Analyst
Political Scientist
Politician
Public relations expert
Planner
PSW Opportunity
- During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
- After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
- After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
This degree consists of either:
• a dissertation and coursework;
• coursework only.
This degree can be either in the same area as your undergraduate study or in a new area of study.
Depending on your previous study and chosen subject, a masters may take one, one and a half, or two years to complete.
Entry requirements
A recognised bachelors degree with a B-/B/B+ average, and a B-/B/B+ average in a relevant subject (if required).
Please refer to the respective masters degree course page for more detailed admission criteria.
Some Faculties/Schools require an honours degree (to demonstrate research capacity). Where the above requirements are not met, further study in a lower level programme may be required first.
A recognised bachelors degree with a B/B+ average, and a B/B+ average in a relevant subject if required. Some faculties/schools require an honours degree (to demonstrate research capacity).
Where the above requirements are not met, further study in a lower level programme may be required first.
- IELTS (Academic)- 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
- iBT (internet-based) TOEFL- 90 with a score of 21 in writing
- iBT (home-based) TOEFL- 90 with a score of 21 in writing
- Pearson PTE Academic- 58 and no PTE communicative skills below 50
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 01 Year 06 Month
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Total Tuition Fee:
61290 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: N/A
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