Explore your options
As our human footprint increasingly makes its mark on the planet, conservation experts are in demand. Unitec’s conservation qualification is a great starting point towards becoming a leader in the conservation, biodiversity management, and biosecurity of Aotearoa.
One of our biggest strengths is in plant identification; a skill well regarded by the conservation industry. We'll help you develop your knowledge and confidence in plant identification. You'll also explore how ecosystems work, and find out how to implement strategies to support biological diversity and the protection and maintenance of the world's natural environments.
Government agencies and voluntary organisations have a big impact on biodiversity, and you’ll see this for yourself during practical work placements at places like the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Department of Conservation (DOC), and Auckland Council. Here, you'll learn how social, cultural, and policy decisions impact our natural environment, and the ways that biodiversity managers can respond to this. You'll also have the chance to complete a research report in your own area of interest
All this, plus a teaching team of highly qualified and respected scientists and industry consultants, will help you build the expertise you need to make a difference in Aotearoa and around the world.
Programmes and study path
| PROGRAMME | LEVEL | DURATION | CAREER OPTIONS | START DATES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) | 3 | Full-time for 16 weeks or part-time options available | Entry into further study at certificate or diploma level. | February or July |
| New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management - Zookeeping | 4 | Full time for one year with blended learning (includes work experience and block courses) | Animal carer in a wildlife park or animal sanctuary, Zookeeper | February |
| New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - Applied Science | 4 | Full-time for 16-weeks or part-time options available | This programme prepares you for study toward a career in ecology, conservation, and biodiversity management | February or July |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) | 7 | Full-time for three years or part-time options available | Biosecurity officer, Conservation manager, Ecology consultant, Environmental officer, Geographic information systems (GIS) analyst, MPI quarantine officer, Regional parks manager | February or July |
| Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) | 8 | Full-time for 6 months or part-time for 1–2 years | Environmental advisor for business, Environmental or biosecurity consultant, Research, laboratory or field technician, Programme or project manager | February or July |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) | 8 | Full-time for 1 year or part-time for 2–3 years | Environmental or biosecurity consultant, Environmental advisor for business, Biodiversity or biosecurity policy analyst, Ecologist, Geospatial and land-use specialist, Research, laboratory or field technician, Programme or project manager | February or July |
| Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) | 9 | Full-time for 18 months. Part-time options available. | Environmental or biosecurity consultant, Environmental advisor for business, Biodiversity or biosecurity policy analyst, Biodiversity or conservation advisor, Ecologist, Geospatial and land-use specialist, Taxonomist, Research, laboratory or field technician, Programme or project manager, Project coordinator | February or July |
Industry connections
Unitec staff are members of, and work closely with, the following professional associations:
Work experience
Study a conservation, biodiversity management and biosecurity qualification and you'll get the chance to participate in work placements with organisations like:
- Auckland Zoo
- Department of Conservation
- Ministry for Primary Industries (Biosecurity)
- Auckland Council
- Auckland Museum
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
- Environmental consultancy companies
- Community restoration projects
