Resolve environmental issues
Explore how humans connect with and change the natural environment. Apply a science focus with biology, chemistry, geography, data science, and physics.
Environmental Science investigates issues like climate change, sea level rise, and the effects of industries like agriculture and mining. Learn tools and techniques to mitigate human effects on the environment. Analyse complex datasets and communicate your results. You’ll also learn through fieldwork, such as monitoring the quality of waterways, soil, or air. The information you gather could contribute to policy and regulatory change.
Designed with input from industry professionals, the MEnvSc gives you direct, practical experience. You’ll complete projects to make industry connections and graduate ready for your career.
Who can study for this qualification
The Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSc) is ideal for graduates who want to deepen their understanding of environmental challenges and build advanced research and practical skills. To get enrol you need a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as environmental science, earth science, chemistry, biology, physics, or mathematics.
What you’ll learn
You could focus your research on:
- the interaction between species, ecosystems, and Aotearoa New Zealand's natural history
- the physical systems needed to support life: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
- global change through time, sustainability, restoration, and environmental futures
- human–environment relationships in New Zealand, including in the context of te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- quantitative and qualitative skills to critically evaluate claims about the state of the environment.
How you’ll study
Part one
You’ll study core courses in your first two trimesters.
- Understand contemporary environmental science issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- Look at both Aotearoa New Zealand and the rest of the world.
You’ll also develop the essential field and lab skills of an environmental scientist. You’ll do independent research on an environmental science topic.
You’ll also focus your study on an area of interest with additional elective courses. These can be from a range of approved courses covering fields such as:
- biology
- chemistry
- geophysics
- geology
- statistics
- social science
- policy
- Māori studies
- law.
Other courses may be considered by the head of the school if they are relevant.
Part two
In Trimester 3, choose between completing either:
- a placement with an employer
- an applied research project.
If you choose to study the Environmental Science Placement and Project course, you will have the chance to spend eight weeks working with an environmental science organisation.
Part-time study options
If you're a domestic student, you can study for an MEnvSc part time for up to 3 years.
You will need to do around 20 hours of work a week. Take this into account if you are working.
International students cannot study for this degree part time.
If you only complete part of the MEnvSc
If you complete Part 1 of the Master of Environmental Science and don’t continue on to Part 2, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Environmental Science).
If you complete 60 points of coursework, you can be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Science (Environmental Science).
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:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MEnvSc degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree from a New Zealand university in Environmental Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Mathematics, or equivalent qualification with an average grade of B or better; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean, Academic (Postgraduate) of the Faculty of Science for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides equivalent preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MEnvSc
2. (a) The course of study for the MEnvSc shall consist of courses worth at least 180 points, including:
Part 1:
(i) Advanced Topics in Environmental Science (ENSC 401), Perspectives on Environmental Science in Aotearoa New Zealand (ENSC 402), Environmental Science Research Essay (ENSC 485); and
(ii) 60 further points from BIOL 403–431, Physical Basis of Climate Change (CCSP 401), Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation (CCSP 402), CHEM 421–423, ENSC 410–421, Environmental Management (ENVI 520), ESCI 401–488, Introduction to Geographic Information Science and its Applications (GEOG 415), GEOS 401–479, GPHS 441–448, PHYG 413–423, PHYS 415–447, and STAT 431–452
Part 2:
(i) Environmental Science Research Project (ENSC 510) or 511.
3. A candidate shall be enrolled for at least three trimesters and shall normally complete the degree within three years. The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
4. Continuation to Part 2 requires a B+ (or better) average in Part 1, or permission of the head of school.
Future careers
Aotearoa New Zealand needs scientifically trained graduates who can influence environmental decision-making. You’ll be able to facilitate the science–policy–practice process throughout government, private sectors, and the community.
Your focus on science gives you opportunities to work in science-related roles, such as:
- environmental scientist
- data and policy analyst
- environmental planner
- land adviser
- conservation coordinator
- environmental consultant
- environmental educator
- resources manager.
Your Master's degree in Environmental Science can also set you up for intermediate to senior policy and research roles where specialised, in-depth analysis is important.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Environmental Science.
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.
Summer research scholarships
There are several summer scholarships available. These give you the opportunity to gain experience in research—with the added bonus of paid work over the summer trimester.
Each scholarship gives you experience working with established researchers on a specified project and an insight into what studying for a research degree entails.
Scholarships for Environmental Science
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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.
Summer research scholarships
There are several summer scholarships available. These give you the opportunity to gain experience in research—with the added bonus of paid work over the summer trimester.
Each scholarship gives you experience working with established researchers on a specified project and an insight into what studying for a research degree entails.
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 Environmental Science
-
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.
Research an area that interests you
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is Aotearoa New Zealand’s top-ranked university for intensity of high-quality research.
As part of your Master’s study, you’ll learn from and work with highly qualified academic staff and professional researchers who undertake internationally recognised work.
Research institutes
You’ll also have access to knowledge from academics and from across the Wellington Faculty of Science through work placements and guest lectures.
This includes specialists from the:
Why Wellington
Wellington is the ideal place for students to see environmental science in action—from the field to policy making.
You’ll be studying a short walk from key agencies in environmental policy and action, including government, councils, and not-for-profit organisations.
Many of these organisations are directly involved in our Environmental Science programme. We have relationships with the region’s city and regional councils, as well as GNS Science, NIWA, and the Zealandia eco-sanctuary.
Further research or study
Master’s students who complete the 180-point MEnvSc and include the ENSC510 (research project) are able to apply to do a PhD.
Begin your career as a scientist or academic and complete a major piece of original research with a PhD.
Academic staff research areas
Andrew Rees
Deputy Head of School
Dan Sinclair
Associate Professor
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.