Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
NorthTec's Bachelor of Applied Science, in partnership with Unitec, is a hands-on course focusing on conservation management.
Complete the final year of the Bachelor of Applied Science with Unitec in Whangārei!
After successfully completing the Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6) at NorthTec | Te Pūkenga, you can enrol straight into this Unitec | Te Pūkenga degree in your third year. You will gain comprehensive knowledge of regional, national and global challenges to biodiversity management. Enjoy small classes, plenty of field trips and a friendly atmosphere.
You’ll develop practical skills to monitor ecosystems and analyse, comprehend and evaluate results, understand how to engage appropriate resources for environmental investigation, and learn to critique social, cultural and policy frameworks and their effect on management decisions.
The Environmental Management pathway at NorthTec offers three qualifications in three years:
- After one year of study: New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 5)
- After two years of study: New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6)
- After three years of study: Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) (From Unitec)
What will I learn?
This is the next step after the New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6) and will help you gain advanced knowledge of ecology and environmental management to prepare yourself for a great career. Get actively involved in the protection and restoration of ecosystems.
You will gain:
- A solid background in ecology, conservation, and environmental management.
- Vital skills in field techniques, data analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking.
- The chance to make valuable contacts within your chosen field through work placement and research.
- A comprehensive knowledge of, and some solutions to, regional, national and global challenges to biodiversity management.
- The ability to engage appropriate resources for environmental investigation and critique social, cultural and policy frameworks and how they influence management decisions.
- Practical skills to monitor ecosystems and analyse, comprehend and evaluate results.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Students who have successfully completed the New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6) or the Diploma in Conservation and Environmental Management at NorthTec with at least a B+ average will be allowed direct entry into this programme. Students will be enrolled on their Programme with Unitec and will be required to complete 120 credits, i.e. the equivalent of one year’s full time study.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language require a minimum IELTS score of 6 with no band lower than 5.5, or NZCEL Level 4 (Academic) are eligible for enrolment at all levels of the NZQF.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Career Opportunities
- Wildlife management
- Biosecurity officer
- Restoration ecology
- Conservation/biodiversity officer
- Ecology consultant
- Consent management and monitoring
- Environmental educator
- Environmental monitoring
- Scientist
- Postgraduate study
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
