Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management)

Te Pukenga trading as Unitec

The world is changing rapidly. Climate disruption is happening faster than animals, plants, and human communities can adapt – unless we take extraordinary action. To lead the charge, Aotearoa, New Zealand needs biodiversity professionals who think innovatively, take action, and move seamlessly from the lab into the field.The Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) is a programme of study that will allow you to choose the knowledge and skills you need to develop and advance your career. At completion you will gain high-level analytical and strategic competency and undertake impactful research that contributes directly to your work and the wider industry while working on the ground to refine your practical field-based skills.When you graduate, you’ll be able to:apply advanced technical knowledge and skills – design, conduct and disseminate independent research using recognised industry methodologies, data analysis, and effective problem-solvingdevelop and maintain collaborative relationships with mana whenua and a range of stakeholderscontribute to improved practice and environmental sustainability in business, government, and non-governmental sectors through critical evaluation, new knowledge, insight, and innovationapply cross-cultural perspectives, 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 an applied science contextcritically assess the impacts of human activity on the global environment and how environmental management in Aotearoa could address these issues.Highlights:Earn and learn: This programme is a mix of on-campus learning, and field trips, making it an excellent option for biodiversity professionals who are already working and want to start postgraduate study.Tap into a national network of experts and industry partners: This master’s programme is supported by scientists and other experts from around Aotearoa, New Zealand, through guest lectures.Integrating Western perspectives with Mātauranga Māori: Adapting to environmental crises requires collaboration. In Aotearoa, New Zealand, that means working with local Māori iwi and hapu. This master’s programme balances Indigenous knowledge with scientific understanding to help you unlock innovative solutions.Undertake meaningful research: Choose from a wide range of thesis topics supported by highly qualified supervisors to focus on your area of interest. You might choose to do a workplace project, collaborate with industry, or acquire research funding for a specific project. Completing your thesis is a great chance to push your independent research capabilities, and your thesis and industry advisors will be there to support you.Focus on partnership and stakeholder engagement: You’ll hone your relationship-building and collaboration skills to work professionally with mana whenua (indigenous people of the land) and other stakeholders (policymakers, environmental managers, and landowners) and drive the best outcomes for our land and people.Lab facilities and outdoor experiences (local and national): You’ll learn in a range of facilities, including molecular biology, microbiology, and GIS labs, marae, herbaria and invertebrate collections, simulators, outdoors with access to specialist equipment, and machinery.