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University of Waikato

Hamilton , North Island, New Zealand ,New Zealand

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

More Information Required
30 Days
GTE/Possible Interview call from Institution
30 Days
Visa Process
10 Days

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