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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Marine Conservation focuses on complex issues that characterise the management and conservation of the marine environment.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasing in number and size. This increase responds to intensifying pressures on our oceans and the need to provide more robust guardianship of marine ecosystems. Protected by law, MPAs require skilled scientists and environmental managers from diverse backgrounds to advocate for, design, monitor and protect them.  

The MMarineCons is developed and taught in partnership with Conservation International (CI) and provides essential skills for people looking for careers in MPA research and management, and marine conservation more generally.

If you are already working in this exciting field, or you want make an impact in the marine conservation world, the MMarineCons will give you the opportunity to upskill, expand your knowledge, and gain research experience. The programme also provides learning and hands-on experience in policy and strategic management and will benefit graduates from other disciplines wanting to work in marine conservation.

This programme is primarily taught at the City Campus with some classes and courses taught at the Leigh Marine Laboratory.

Programme Structure

The MMarineCons is a 180 point research or taught masters programme that can be completed over three semesters full-time, with part-time options available.

This programme includes a mixture of core courses and elective courses on topics related to marine conservation – such as marine ecology and biology, conservation biology, environmental science, social science, environmental management and policy.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Graduates of the MMarineCons will have a unique set of technical and practical skills which enable them to be highly competitive in the professional world of marine conservation. Links between policy, management and pure science are creating new job opportunities in this exciting field of work.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Scientist
  • Marine conservation manager
  • Project manager

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Experience the University

Video

Master of Marine Conservation

Learn more about the programme from Marine Science Graduate Adviser Dr Alwyn Rees, Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Marine Science.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland 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.

Taught (180 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average

Research (180 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Taught 180-point 

You must have completed either:

  • A Bachelor of Science degree from this University, with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

OR

  • An undergraduate degree and have passed 60 points toward the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a GPA of 4.0 in a relevant specialisation (provided the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded). 

Research 180-point 

You must have completed either:

  • A Bachelor of Science degree from this University, with a GPA of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

OR

  • An undergraduate degree and have passed 60 points toward the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a GPA of 4.0 in a relevant specialisation (provided the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded).


If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

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

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this programme are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a relevant specialisation, provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances, the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) Relevant majors or specialisations may include biology and marine ecology, conservation biology, environmental management, environmental law, environmental policy and social science.

(ii) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student enrolled for this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 220 points.

Structure and Content

6 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Marine Conservation Schedule.

7 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

8 a The research project or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The research project or thesis topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The research project or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

9 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Marine Science.

Distinction

10 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

11 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

12 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 180 points comprising:

  • 180 points for one Specialisation from Master of Marine Conservation Schedule, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Master of Marine Conservation 180 points Taught

Year 1
Semester One
Current Issues in Marine Science
Master of Marine Conservation Schedule - MACO-T3MMarineCons - Master of Marine Conservation specialisation in Marine Conservation - Taught 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Ocean Management and Planning
Master of Marine Conservation Schedule - MACO-T3MMarineCons - Master of Marine Conservation specialisation in Marine Conservation - Taught 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points
Marine Protected Areas - Level 9
Master of Marine Conservation Schedule - MACO-T3MMarineCons - Master of Marine Conservation specialisation in Marine Conservation - Taught 180 - Compulsory Courses
15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points
Year 2
Semester One
Research Project - Level 9
Master of Marine Conservation Schedule - MACO-T3MMarineCons - Master of Marine Conservation specialisation in Marine Conservation - Taught 180 - Research Project - 1 Semester
30 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map