Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and Biodiversity Management)

Summary

Studying a double major in the Bachelor of Applied Science means you get a wide range of course options in animal behaviour and welfare and biodiversity management.

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Animal behaviour and welfare is a rapidly growing field of study and work. This unique programme will prepare you with the applied knowledge and skills you need to be successful in a wide range of emerging animal management and welfare careers.

This programme addresses the demand for ethical professionals in industries and organisations associated with the behaviour and care of animals. You’ll develop an understanding of animal behaviour modification, health and welfare, handling and husbandry, conservation, and human/animal interactions.

Biodiversity Management

You’ll explore how ecosystems function and support biological diversity and how biodiversity managers (including government agencies, non-statutory organisations, and voluntary bodies) are responding to increasing concern over the impact of human activities on the world.

Find out how society views and influences the natural environment, discover how social, cultural, and policy frameworks influence management decisions, and develop your knowledge and skills related to plant identification.

Programme highlights

• A holistic approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience in simulated and real-world situations;
• Visits to relevant environmental and/or animal-related organisations and voluntary groups; you may even be able to undertake part of your studies at one of their sites;
• An opportunity to complete a research project in an area of your interest to develop the skills you’ll need for a career in your chosen field;
• A teaching team of highly qualified and experienced animal behaviour experts, animal trainers, scientists, veterinarians, botanists, ornithologists, and ecologists;
• In Biodiversity Management, we’ll help you develop your knowledge and confidence in plant identification, one of our biggest strengths and an essential skill in the conservation industry.

Please note: There is a chance this programme will take an extra semester, depending on the timetables of the individual courses you select. This can be discussed during the application process.

Where from here

Upon completing this programme, you can go on to further study in Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management)

Career Options

• Animal behaviour and/or welfare consultant
• Animal facility manager
• Animal handler
• Animal welfare scientific officer
• Biodiversity analyst or advisor
• Biosecurity analyst or advisor
• Conservation Manager for DoC or Iwi
• Ecologist
• Geographic information systems (GIS) analyst
• Park ranger (Council or DoC)

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$8,500

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and Biodiversity Management) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students