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 761: Thesis Proposal

BIOSCI 763: Professional Applications of Ecology

75 points from:

BIOSCI 724: Marine Ecology

BIOSCI 725: Ecological Physiology

BIOSCI 729: Evolutionary Biology

BIOSCI 730: Entomology and Biosecurity

BIOSCI 731: Biogeography

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 760: Biosystematics

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:

ECOLOG 789 Dissertation

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

  • Ecology
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA 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 option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

    A Bachelor’s degree majoring in Biological Sciences or an equivalent subject from a recognised academic institution.

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,598.40 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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 more

Key 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?

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Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513