Course details

Summary

Make the connection

Explore the connections between living things and their environment with the Master of Science (Ecology).

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

The Ecology Group at Massey has a large teaching and support staff, with diverse expertise. As a postgraduate student undertaking masters studies you will have the opportunity to specialise in stimulating subjects ranging from:

• Biodiversity and biogeography
• Community ecology
• Behavioural ecology
• Lake and river management
• Plant ecology
• Modelling animal populations
• Soil communities and ecosystem function

You will benefit from Massey’s strong collaborative links with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, Land care Research, AgResearch, NIWA, Fish & Game NZ, regional, district and city councils and private sector environmental consulting firms.

Facilities and equipment

The ecology complex at Massey has an excellent range of facilities and equipment including controlled temperature and light rooms, glasshouses and a workshop for making field equipment. There are labs for microscopy and image analysis, chemical analysis, ancient DNA, freshwater fish and invertebrates, insects and plant ecology, animal behaviour and soil invertebrate extraction.

Why postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study is hard work but very rewarding and empowering. The Master of Science (Ecology) will push you to produce your best creative, strategic and theoretical ideas. The workload replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles. Our experts are there to guide but you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study.

Careers

A postgraduate qualification in ecology will allow you to approach many environmental research and management issues from a strong theoretical and practical base. Massey ecology graduates may find employment with the Department of Conservation, Regional Councils, Government Research Institutes and Environmental Consultants. Our postgraduate degrees are well regarded internationally so you may continue your studies overseas at a PhD level.

Others have added another specialisation to become an ecotoxicologist, environmental economist, or even an environmental lawyer.

Structure

You will follow a parts-based programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 180 credits, comprising Part One and Part Two as defined by the Courses Schedule.

Entry criteria

Admission to the Master of Science (180 or 240 credits) requires you to have

• a Bachelor of Science degree, or close equivalent, with a major in Ecology, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300 level courses; or
• a bachelor degree followed by a Graduate Diploma of Science or close equivalent, in Ecology, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300 level courses.

Admission to the 120 credit Master of Science requires you to have a minimum B average for either of the following:

• a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with an endorsement in Ecology; or
• a Postgraduate Diploma in Science with an endorsement in Ecology

English language requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT score of 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 180