New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6), Marine Strand

Program Overview

The New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6), Marine Strand is a full-time program equipping students with advanced marine science knowledge and practical skills. It offers a pathway to third-year university study and prepares individuals for careers in environmental management, marine monitoring, and various industries related to freshwater and marine ecosystems. The program emphasizes research, field experience, and industry collaboration.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6), Marine Strand is a one-year full-time diploma program designed for students seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in marine science within the Bay of Plenty's natural environment. This program builds upon the knowledge gained from the Level 5 diploma and prepares students for advanced studies towards a degree.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide in-depth skills and knowledge in marine science.
• Equip students with practical and risk management skills.
• Offer a pathway to third-year entry into a Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) or a Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Biodiversity) at the University of Waikato.
• Develop students' understanding of marine environments and their influence by human activities.
• Foster graduates who can contribute to informed environmental management.

Outline:

Content:

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• Core Subjects:
• Research Design and Data Management
• Environmental Reporting
• The Regulatory Environment
• Freshwater Ecology and Monitoring
• Marine Ecology and Monitoring
• Electives: Students choose THREE electives from the following:
• Aquaculture Focus:
• Aquaculture 1: Systems Design and Maintenance
• Aquaculture 2: Growth, Feeds, Nutrition and Sustainability
• One other elective
• Diving and Tourism Focus:
• PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors
• Marine Tourism
• Diving for Scientific Purposes
• Biology and Ecology Focus:
• Biosecurity
• Ecological Restoration
• Coral Reef Ecology and Monitoring
• Geology of New Zealand
• Tropical Ecology and Monitoring (including a field trip to the Galapagos Islands or Namibia)

Structure:

• The program is delivered full-time over one year, including holidays if applicable.
• The total credit load is 120 credits.

Course Schedule:

• Intakes: Intakes are to be confirmed.
• Study Options: 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
• Important Dates: View calendar of start dates and events

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, graduates can pursue employment in a variety of areas, including:

• Freshwater or marine monitoring
• Biosecurity
• Iwi liaison
• Fisheries enforcement officers/observers on fishing vessels
• Biosecurity officers
• Diving - PADI instructors
• Specialized research projects
• Environmental reporting
• Own business enterprises
• Roles within regional councils (education, dune care), NZ Customs, MPI, aquariums, or the aquaculture industry.

Other:

• The program includes a strong focus on research, environmental reporting, and monitoring.
• Students have opportunities to work alongside industry and apply their skills in real-world surveying, sampling, and monitoring projects.
• The program encourages students to learn about the regulatory environment.
• Students may have the chance to participate in field trips to remote offshore islands such as Tuhua or Slipper, or even Papua New Guinea.
• A first aid certificate is recommended, and students must complete one before the end of the course.
• If a student chooses the diving option, they must provide a certified doctor's certificate within two weeks of the course start date stating that they are fit to dive.