Programme overview
The world is facing two major environmental issues – climate and biodiversity loss. To tackle these specific issues in Aotearoa New Zealand, the government is backing local and national initiatives – and they require biodiversity professionals with applied knowledge and field experience to lead the way.
Benefits of the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science programme:
- It’s a one-year qualification that mixes online learning and on-campus block courses
- It introduces you to the world of research with more guidance than a full master’s programme – offering an easy way for working professionals to start postgraduate study
- There’s plenty of flexibility. You can dive in and study full-time, or study one course over a semester – whatever works for you, your lifestyle and your current work commitments.
When you graduate, you’ll be able to:
- apply advanced technical knowledge and skills. Critically evaluate advanced knowledge in applied science including recognised industry methodologies, data analysis and effective problem-solving skills to investigate issues arising from the human impact on the environment
- adapt to diverse working environments, communicate, and collaborate in various working environments in applied science to develop and maintain relationships with multiple stakeholders, including government, Māori, and local communities
- summarise advanced and new knowledge, insight, and innovation to improve practice in applied science for industry and community stakeholders
- contribute to improved practice and sustainability through analysis, criticism, and problem-solving to advance innovative practices in environmental sustainability in business, government, and non-governmental sectors.
- act as an ethical guardian of global biodiversity, applying cross-cultural perspectives which embrace understanding and engagement with indigenous bodies of knowledge, practices, and worldviews with a critical focus on Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in applied science.
Highlights
Earn and learn: This programme mixes on-campus block courses and online learning, making it an excellent option for biodiversity professionals who are already working and want to start postgraduate study.
Move your career up a level: With a postgraduate qualification, you’ll acquire higher-level knowledge and develop the necessary skills for your specialisation, strengthening your CV and increasing the likelihood of a higher salary.
Dip your toes into research: Complete a small industry or community-linked dissertation with the help of a project mentor.
Key focus on Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Put cross-cultural perspectives that embrace understanding and engagement with indigenous bodies of knowledge, techniques, and worldviews into practice.
Spotlight on partnership and stakeholder engagement: Strengthen your relationship-building and collaboration skills, so you can work professionally with mana whenua (Aotearoa NZ) and other stakeholders to drive the best outcomes for our land and people.
Access state-of-the-art facilities (local and national): Depending on where you choose to complete your compulsory on-campus block courses, you’ll learn in various facilities, including research and computer labs, marae, herbariums, simulators, and specialist equipment and machinery.
Learn from experts across the country: As part of Te Pūkenga, this master’s programme is co-taught by highly qualified and respected scientists and industry consultants from around Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Transition into further postgraduate study: This programme cross-credits towards our Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management).
Scholarships and awards
At Unitec we want to manaaki student success wherever we can and scholarships is one of the ways we do that. We have scholarships that recognise the achievements and the challenges of dedicating yourself to learning, whether that's in a vocational trade, at undergraduate level, or at master's degree level and beyond. Check out the scholarships listed below. The filters under Award Types, Characteristics and Status will help refine your search. If you have questions, please email our Scholarships team or book in with a Scholarships advisor.
Unitec’s learning facilities
Applied Molecular Solutions Lab
If you’re interested in the genetics of animals, plants, and fungi, this lab is fully equipped for DNA extraction and analysis.
Some fascinating research projects include DNA barcoding of possible biological control agents, bioremediation of contaminated soils, and molecular analysis of seabird diets.
GIS Laboratory
Where science meets tech, the GIS Laboratory has 40 workstations with industry-standard ArcGIS and associated software.
Using high-performance Graphics Processing Units on Virtual Device Interfaces with large 24-inch monitors, these computers can run realistic 3D modeling, spatial analysis, image rendering, and other computing-intensive tasks.
The Herbarium
With a collection of 11,500 scientifically preserved plants, fungi, lichens, and seaweeds, the Herbarium is where you'll learn about plant specimen collection and preparation techniques.
The Herbarium supports essential research, including investigations into invasive and native plants and fungi and an active lichen research group’s studies.
There’s also the opportunity to assist with accessioning and curation as a volunteer.
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Academic requirements
You must have completed at least one of the following:
- a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with merit (an average grade of B- or higher in all Level 7 courses), or
- a professional qualification in a relevant discipline recognised as equivalent to merit in a bachelor’s degree, plus recommendations from your employer or professional colleagues
NCEA requirements are a minimum of 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English (4 in reading, 4 in writing) or equivalent. Learn more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the academic requirements
If you do not meet the academic requirements
If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, 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.
For more information, including special admission, download the programme regulations (PDF 350 KB).
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2024; please check back again soon.
Courses | Credits | Aim |
---|---|---|
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement (NSCI8001TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to engage with Maori, other indigenous peoples and stakeholders. |
Applied Research Methods (NSCI8002TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to engage with Maori, other indigenous peoples and stakeholders. |
Dissertation - Enrolment (NSCI8017TPENR) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to analyse, apply and interpret a range of research methodologies, and undertake an original research project. |
Unitec is part of Te Pūkenga
On 1 October 2022 Unitec became part of Te Pūkenga. Find out more about Te Pūkenga and what this means for you.