Programme details

Master of Marine Conservation – MMarCon

Discover how to impact coastal and marine environments in New Zealand, the Pacific, and globally with a postgraduate degree in Marine Conservation.

Course description

With increasing pressures on marine environments in the South Pacific and worldwide, there is a growing demand for experts in the conservation and management of marine organisms and ecosystems.

New Zealand, a global leader in marine conservation, is an ideal place to develop your expertise. Its diverse and extensive coastline hosts a rich array of marine life, from tiny phytoplankton to the endangered New Zealand sea lion.

By studying with our School of Biological Sciences, renowned for its marine biology research, you will gain the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on these vital ecosystems. You will explore marine conservation issues and practices in New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific, and the wider Indo-Pacific region, with lessons that can be applied globally.

Earth and Marine Sciences at Te Herenga Waka are ranked among the top 150 in the world according to the 2023 QS World Rankings by Subject.

Immigration benefits

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

Career Prospects

You’ll develop skills and knowledge across various aspects of marine organism and ecosystem conservation and management in both temperate and tropical climates. Career opportunities may include roles at Crown Research Institutes, private research institutions, or national government agencies focused on marine conservation and fisheries management.

You might also work with regional authorities such as city, regional, and district councils, consultancy firms conducting contract marine biology work, or non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations.

Entry requirements

– A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, normally with an average grade of at least B+ in the relevant 300-level courses.
– To be accepted by the programme director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.

EL requirement (any one of the following)
– IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0
– TOEFL (Internet-based test): Minimum score of 90, with at least 20 in writing
– Pearson Test of English: Minimum score of 58, with a ‘Communicative’ score of no less than 50
– EAP: Minimum final scores of 4, 4, 5, 5
– Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
– New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)
– NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3, with no skill lower than Level 2