Master of Science by coursework and thesis - Ecology and Biodiversity

Get a degree that's recognised worldwide and contribute to knowledge in your field. A Master of Science (MSc) will develop your technical, laboratory and academic writing skills to prepare you for a career in science.The MSc will take you between two and two and half years of full-time study or up to four years part time. In the first year of your MSc you'll take several courses related to your specialist subject area. Next, you'll carry out in-depth supervised research for 12–15 months and write a thesis. During your studies you might also author publications for peer-reviewed journals.Advance your understanding of the diversity of plants, animals and micro-organisms that live on earth.You might choose to explore topics such as the measurement and analysis of biological diversity, or the physical and biological processes in ecology and population genetics using molecular biology tools. Delve further into plant ecology and conservation, animal ecology and behaviour, and evolution.Or you could focus on how polluted waterways can affect the environment, examine soil salinisation and ocean acidification, or analyse rising UV and carbon dioxide levels and changes in our climate. There is an urgent worldwide effort to research and address the problems created by human activities that are affecting the survival of many species.Taught by the School of Biological Sciences, you'll study at the number one ranked tertiary institution in New Zealand for overall research quality in ecology.

You need a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average unless stated otherwise in the programme’s minimum general entry requirements. A background in a particular subject area or extensive relevant work experience may be required. Students with equivalent international qualifications from a recognised institution are encouraged to apply. Each application is assessed individually, and entry into postgraduate programmes is at the discretion of the programme director.