Become a conservation biology expert
Human impact, loss of biodiversity, and a growing awareness of environmental change make conservation biology more important every day.
Combine learning in conservation, ecology, biodiversity, and sustainability to get a career-ready qualification. Examine internationally renowned examples of conservation best practice in action. Gain advanced skills in designing experiments, collecting and analysing data, and presenting research results.
Explore the processes of conservation biology in an international biodiversity hotspot. You’ll have access to a range of land and marine environments. Learn alongside internationally respected scientists whose research supports the management of New Zealand’s unique animal and plant life.
Who can study for the MConBio
The MConBio is a great fit if you want to build on your undergraduate degree to develop work-ready skills, or if you are already working in conservation and want to deepen your knowledge.
You can start the programme either in January or July. Applications close in October for the January start date. The July start follows usual university enrolment dates.
An undergraduate degree in Ecology, or a closely related field such as zoology, animal behaviour or behavioural ecology, is required to study the MConBio. If a candidate does not have a relevant undergraduate degree, but has extensive professional experience, entry will be at the discretion of the Programme Director.
What you’ll learn
Your learning is by coursework—there is no research thesis to complete.
- You’ll take three core courses. One of these is a four-week field course with one week away from Wellington, visiting key conservation sites.
- You’ll also choose further from a range of electives to build a programme that suit your interests.
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.
January field course
If you’re starting in January, you’ll begin with a field course. The course is run outside normal trimester dates, as the timing changes from year to year to allow for tide times. Usual timing for the start of the course is late January/early February and actual dates for the next year are confirmed at least six months earlier.
For this course, you’ll visit key conservation sites around New Zealand to observe management practices and become familiar with the unique plants and animals of New Zealand.
July core course
If you start in July, you’ll begin with a core course, which involves biosecurity management from both biological and legal perspectives.
Learn conservation techniques from experts in the field
Studying in Wellington, you’ll have easy access to the natural wealth of New Zealand. You’ll gain research experience and learn conservation techniques alongside conservation experts at:
Part-time study options
You can study the Master of Conservation Biology part time, in up to six trimesters.
Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Take this into account if you are balancing other commitments.
Application deadline for field course
The January field course, BIOL424, is a required course for the MConBio.
If you are starting the MConBio in January, you must apply by 01 October of the previous year to be accepted into the field course.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
(a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MConBio degree shall have:
(i) completed a degree of a tertiary institution in New Zealand (or equivalent); and
(ii) been accepted by the Associate Dean (Students) as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MConBio
2. The course of study for the MConBio shall include the following.
(a) Pest Management, Biosecurity and Law (BIOL 405), Conservation Ecology (BIOL 420), New Zealand Conservation Practice (BIOL 424);
(b) 90 points from BIOL 401–440, BIOL 510–530, Māori Environmental and Resource Management (ENVI 525), ERES 525–527 or other courses approved by the head of school.
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for one year and shall complete the degree within two years of first enrolling in it. The associate dean may extend that maximum period in special cases
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Future careers
Many scientific roles require applicants to have completed relevant postgraduate study. The skills and knowledge you gain with your Master’s degree could lead to:
- advisory, policy or research roles
- programme or project management roles.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Conservation Biology.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Conservation Biology
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The scholarship is open to students at the Masters by Thesis or PhD level at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, with their research focusing on a long-term seismogenesis and long-range earthquake forecasting.
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Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We’re currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Conservation Biology
-
The scholarship is open to students at the Masters by Thesis or PhD level at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, with their research focusing on a long-term seismogenesis and long-range earthquake forecasting.
-
Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Bridgette Farnworth
Lecturer
Stephen Hartley
Associate Professor
Rachael Shaw
Senior Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.