Postgraduate study in Biosecurity and Conservation

What can you study in Biosecurity and Conservation?

You will work on a wide range of biosecurity, biodiversity and conservation topics, and network with future employers, gaining the confidence and skills to contribute to the rapidly growing fields of biosecurity and conservation.

Skill development includes writing risk assessments for new-to-New Zealand species, developing incursion response plans, biodiversity management plans and research proposals, as well as gaining advanced science communication skills.

If you are a Master of Science (MSc) student, research interests open to exploration include:

  • Comparative stress physiology of grey-faced petrels
  • Improving outcomes for water quality monitoring in Samoa via environmental DNA
  • The impact of hedgehogs on urban forest fragments
  • The ecological relationship between Cook’s scurvy grass (Lepidium oleraceum s.s.) and seabirds
  • The legacy effect of soil conditions on ecological restoration of retired pastures
  • The spatial extent of biodiversity outcomes from mammalian predator pest management
  • The establishment and dispersal of invasive insects
  • Impacts of introduced herbivores on sand dune restoration
  • Estimating a damage function for feral pig impacts
  • The importance of invertebrates in decomposing coarse woody debris
  • Trophic interactions between geckos and honeydew-producing scale insects
  • Pollination ecology of native New Zealand orchids and the role of introduced species

Structuring your postgraduate programme in Biosecurity and Conservation

Master of Science (MSc) in Biosecurity and Conservation 120-point (one-year) research masters

Master of Science (MSc) in Biosecurity and Conservation 240-point (two-year) research masters

15 points:

BIOSCI 761 MSc Thesis Proposal or ENVSCI 701 Research Practice in Environmental Science

30 points from:

At least 45 points from:

Up to 30 points from 700-level related subjects:

120 points:

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Biosecurity and Conservation  

30 points from:

60 to 90 points from:

30 points from 700-level related subjects:

Prerequisite courses

Prior to applying for the MSc 120-point research masters it is recommended you have completed BIOSCI 761 MSc Thesis Proposal or ENVSCI 701 Research Practice in Environmental Science.

Courses

Explore the postgraduate courses you can take for the Biosecurity and Conservation specialisation:

Where can postgraduate study in Biosecurity and Conservation take you?

Potential opportunities for our graduates include employment throughout the biosecurity and conservation sector.

Jobs related to Biosecurity and Conservation

  • Biodiversity ranger
  • Biosecurity officer
  • Biosecurity or biodiversity technical advisor
  • Environmental officer
  • Environmental scientist
  • Incursion response investigator
  • Museum collections technician
  • Operations manager
  • Pest control technician
  • Research technician
  • Researcher
  • Science communicator

Scholarships and awards

Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Scholarships and awards.

Help and advice

Student Hubs

Visit your hubs for help and advice on any aspect of your studies and life at University.

The Student Hubs are your physical gateway to Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland.

The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City, Grafton, Epsom and Tai Tonga campuses and six days a week at Tai Tokerau, with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.

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Postgraduate programmes

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