Course Overview
This course is designed for people ready to take their knowledge and skills to the next level. You'll build advanced expertise in applied science, developing industry-relevant skills in data analysis, research, and problem-solving that can be applied in real-world settings.
You'll explore solutions to current challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, while gaining the technical and research capabilities needed to make a meaningful impact. Working alongside government agencies, industry, community organisations and Māori, you'll strengthen your understanding of collaboration under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Biodiversity Management graduates will also develop the skills to act as an ethical guardian of our natural environment, drawing on both mātauranga Māori and scientific knowledge to support the wellbeing of te taiao.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science
| Locations | Rotorua |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2027 View more details |
| Study options |
1 semester full-time, including holidays (if applicable) Part-time study available |
| Total credits | 60 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Timetable
Career Opportunities
- Environmental Advisor for Businesses
- Biodiversity, Biosecurity, or Conservation Advisor
- Biodiversity or Biosecurity Policy Analyst
- Ecologist
- Geospatial and Land-use Specialist
- Programme/Project Coordinator
- Research, Laboratory or Field Technician
- GIS Specialist
- Environmental, Biodiversity or Conservation Tutor/Teacher
Topic Overview
NSCI 8001 Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement (15 credits)
Students develop the knowledge, skills and cultural competencies to authentically engage with Māori, indigenous peoples elsewhere in the world, and other stakeholders.
NSCI 8002 Applied Research Methods (15 credits)
Students build skills to undertake an applied research project. By the end of this course, students will have completed a research proposal for the research they will undertake in their 2nd and 3rd semesters of study.
NSCI 8003 Biosecurity: Strategy & Implementation (15 credits)
Students develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to manage the effective and efficient planning and implementation of pest operations, integrating current practice and Māori traditional values.
NSCI 8007 Environmental Monitoring (15 credits)
Students gain experience of field research with a variety of species, habitats, locations. Partnering with relevant organisations to gain hands-on experience of current practices and innovative technologies for monitoring.
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | To be confirmed for domestic students |
|---|
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Fee Help
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry Criteria
To be admitted to this course, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Requirements for either general admission, special admission/discretionary admission, or any additional Programme specific requirements
- English language requirements
- Access to a computer and internet access
Whakaurunga Whānui | General Admission
To be admitted to this programme all applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A recognised Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline* with merit achievement deemed to be a grade average of B- or higher; OR
- A professional qualification in a relevant discipline, recognised as being equivalent to merit achievement in a bachelor degree or equivalent.
*Relevant discipline may include Science Degree, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Environmental Science, Zoology, Ecology, Botany, Conservation Biology, Sustainability management etc. If you have a degree in a slightly different discipline, you must provide evidence of relevant work history.
Whakaurunga Motuhake | Special Admission
Applicants must have:
- Attained the age of 20 years on or before the first day of the semester in which study for the course is to commence; AND
- Provide sufficient evidence of aptitude or appropriate work or other life experience that would indicate a successful outcome in the qualification. Evidence as per below should be included in the application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) containing details of any work experience, previous study, and/or other relevant activities.
- Academic transcripts of tertiary-level qualifications achieved by the applicant.
- Evidence of English language competency where English is not a first language.
- Provide a Statement of Purpose (500–1000 words) outlining your academic background, relevant experiences, research interests, and motivations for applying for this programme.
- A minimum of 3 years work experience in related field. Evidence includes work contract/s.
- Two written work references.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
English Language Requirements
IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 5 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Mokoia Campus | 22 Feb 2027 | |
| Rotorua | Mokoia Campus | 19 Jul 2027 |
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