Course details

Summary

Pathway to masters

A postgraduate diploma is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a masters.

What is it Like?

Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Conservation Biology) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a masters level. The programme consists of 90 credits of taught programmes and 30 credits of research.

The programme gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability. If you complete the programme at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Masters of Science (Conservation Biology). If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the masters programme.

Work on real conservation issues

You will learn to address real conservation management problems. You will work in a small-group setting and engage with staff of conservation agencies who are working, on the ground, to save our endangered native species.

You will have the opportunity to take part in multiple field projects – you will experience the reality of conservation work in New Zealand, all before you graduate. This gives you an advantage with potential employers.

Or you may choose to work on primarily analytical projects as part of your study, such as modelling population dynamics or ecosystems. Or you can focus on lab projects, involving genetic analysis, physiology, or post-mortem work.

Take advantage of our globally-renowned expertise

Let our experts help you develop your own expertise. You will learn from highly-skilled internationally-recognised and active researchers in conservation and related areas, with a huge depth of knowledge and experience. Massey has strong research programmes in wildlife management, conservation genetics, and freshwater ecosystem management.

You will also be able to take advantage of Massey’s expertise across the sciences. We have a wide and relevant group of expertise within the university, from fundamental sciences like microbiology and biochemistry, to agriculture, ecology, zoology and environmental management.

This means no matter what your research interest you will have access to a broad range of experts to assist you develop your own research.

Why postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The workload of the postgraduate diploma replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles.

Careers

Massey’s postgraduate conservation biology programme is very relevant to industry – in fact it was developed in consultation with potential employers. It specifically targets the requirements of organisations such as New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, the Ministry for the Environment, Land care Research, regional councils and environmental consulting firms. It is designed to provide training for biologists, veterinarians, resource managers, and environmental planners seeking careers in conservation.

Sought after by employers

International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.

Entry criteria

Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Conservation Biology) requires you to have either

• a bachelor’s degree with a major in Ecology or Zoology, or appropriate knowledge in Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Veterinary Science, or another approved subject, with a minimum B- average in the majoring 300 level courses, or
• a bachelor’s degree followed by a Graduate Diploma endorsed in Ecology or Zoology, with a minimum B- average in the 300 level courses

English language requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT score of 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 180