- Duration
- Full-time: 18 months
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 180
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught options available
Programme overview
The MEcology is a focussed programme enabling you to connect with industry and government partners and agencies, and develop your career in professional ecology.
Study a diverse array of expert areas, and gain knowledge in population and community ecology, global change, biosystematics, ecophysiology, ethics, socio-ecological systems and more.
Entry to the Master of Ecology is through a recognised undergraduate degree in biological sciences, ecology, environment, or marine science.
Find out what our campus locations and facilities have to offer in these videos.
Programme structure
The MEcology is an 18-month, 180-point programme with the option of starting in Semester One or Semester Two. It is completed over three semesters full-time, with part-time options available.
This programme will be delivered through lectures, seminars, laboratories, fieldwork and research supervision. Fieldwork will be a coursework component of some courses and may also be part of the 60-point dissertation.
This programme includes 120 points of taught courses and a 60-point research dissertation.
Students must complete:
45 points from:
BIOSCI 739: Dialogues in Biology
BIOSCI 763: Professional Applications of Ecology
75 points from:
BIOSCI 725: Ecological Physiology
BIOSCI 729: Evolutionary Biology
BIOSCI 730: Entomology and Biosecurity
BIOSCI 733: Molecular Evolution and Conservation Genomics
BIOSCI 734: Terrestrial Plant Ecology
BIOSCI 735: Advanced Behavioural Ecology
BIOSCI 738: Advanced Biological Data Analysis
BIOSCI 747: Biosecurity and Invasion Biology
BIOSCI 748: Weed and Pest Management
BIOSCI 749: Ecology of Microbial Interactions
BIOSCI 751: Plant-microbial Interactions
BIOSCI 766: Global Change Ecology
ENVSCI 702: Applied Estuarine Ecology
ENVSCI 704: Modelling of Environmental Systems
ENVSCI 705: Handling Environmental Data
ENVSCI 733: Biodiversity Management and Conservation
ENVSCI 734: Restoration and Landscape Ecology
ENVSCI 737: Applied Terrestrial Ecology
STATS 776: Estimating Animal Abundance
60 points:
A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 120 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in ECOLOG 789. It is available to take over two semesters as a 30pt Part A and B after discussion with a supervisor.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Subjects available in this programme
- Ecology
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 4.0
A Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelors degree with a relevant major or specialisation.
Further programme requirements
Taught 180 points
The minimum Grade Point Average to gain entry is 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.
You must also have passed at least 15 points from BIOSCI 333, 334, 394, or equivalent prior study.
Alternatively, you must have completed a Bachelors degree and passed 60 points toward the Postgraduate Diploma in Science with a GPA of 4.0 and a relevant specialisation (provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded).
In excpetional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
A Bachelor’s degree majoring in Biological Sciences or an equivalent subject from a recognised academic institution.
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands below 6.0.
Further programme requirements
Taught 180 points
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences or an equivalent subject at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 4.0.
How much does a Master of Ecology cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$52,842*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,663.20 for full-time study (180 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
The Master of Ecology aims to prepare career-ready graduates in the field of professional ecology. Graduates may find employment as professional ecologists in private environmental/ecological consultancies or as business advisors, within local and national government agencies, and in scientific research.
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Read about the MEcology programme in detail and discover whether it's the right study path for you.
Find out moreKey Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Experience the University
Meet the programme director
Learn more about the new MEcology programme from Associate Professor Bruce Burns, in the School of Biological Sciences.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513