Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management)

Summary

As a biodiversity management student, you’ll explore how ecosystems function and support biological diversity, and how managers of biodiversity are responding to increasing concern over the impact of human activities on the planet.

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

You’ll also develop an appreciation of the influence that government agencies, non-statutory organisations, and voluntary bodies have on biodiversity and biosecurity.

Highlights

• Developed in response to increasing global concerns over the human impact on our natural environment
• Emphasis on practical application: possible work experience in applied settings for organisations like the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Department of Conservation (DOC), the Auckland Council, or volunteer organisations
• A chance to complete a research project in an area of your own interest to develop the skills you’ll need for a career in your chosen field
• One of our biggest strengths is plant identification, a skill well-regarded by the conservation industry. We’ll help you develop your knowledge and confidence in plant identification.
• A teaching team of highly qualified and respected scientists and industry consultants, including botanists and an ornithologist

Double major

Can’t decide between animals or the environment? Study a double major, and you’ll get the best of both worlds with a selection of animal- and environment-related courses.

Studying for a double major is highly recommended. Double majors further grow your knowledge and capabilities, making you more employable and competitive in the job market.

Where from here

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

Career Options

• Biosecurity officer
• Conservation manager
• Ecology consultant
• Environmental officer
• Geographic information systems (GIS) analyst
• MPI quarantine officer
• Regional parks manager

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.

New Masters of Applied Science Programme in Biodiversity Management launches

Downloads and resources

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