Te Pūkenga has added to its comprehensive range of programmes in biodiversity management, conservation, ecological restoration, biosecurity, pest management, and associated social science areas, with the launch of a new Master of Applied Science in Biodiversity Management suite.

Designed to bridge the significant gap in the sector’s portfolio, the programme offers an avenue for graduates and industry employees to progress into more senior, specialist roles, and consultancy positions. 

The Masters in Applied Science, Biodiversity Management major, is an applied, industry-focused, and practical postgraduate programme. It has been developed in response to consistent industry feedback advocating for a programme to facilitate career progression while accommodating learners who wish to remain in work while they study.

A unique feature of the Masters programme is the inclusion of Mātauranga Māori content to provide cultural competency training, further enriching graduates' skillsets. The integration of this element into the programme aligns with the sector's commitment to meaningful engagement with industry, mana whenua, and communities. Feedback has been received from a broad spectrum of stakeholders including tertiary academics, Māori experts, organisations, and individuals identifying as Pasifika from New Zealand and overseas, to ensure the programme meets the needs of the diverse community it serves.

Theory will be delivered largely online, with each course being taught by staff from around the country. International students will learn on campus. The majority of courses will also have practical block courses in different regions, where common concepts will be taught across various environmental contexts. The Dissertation and Thesis projects will have an industry or community focus, ranging from project topics coming from industry through to projects being done in a workplace.

Initiated by staff from Northtec, Unitec and Toi Ohomai, the programme’s development was facilitated by Te Pūkenga, leading to the establishment of a community of practice involving staff from nine polytechnics, who co-developed the programme. This collaborative approach is indicative of the sector's dedication to meeting industry needs and enhancing learner outcomes.

The Masters programme is a 180-credit course, with an embedded 60-credit Postgraduate Certificate and a 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma. The suite of 15-credit courses, available to all three programmes, is designed with a high degree of flexibility. The learners can transition from the Postgraduate Certificate to either of the other two programmes, and those enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma can apply to progress to the Masters degree if they meet the criteria.

The new Masters programme signifies a significant step by demonstrating a commitment to providing innovative, industry-aligned qualifications that will empower graduates to take up more senior roles within the biodiversity management field, equipped with an advanced body of knowledge to confidently engage in original research in an applied science context. 

Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) - MASCI
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) - PGDAS
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) - PGCAS