Victoria University of Wellington

Master of Marine Conservation

Wellington, New Zealand 1 year Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Scholarships available for international students
  • No application fee

Introduction

Victoria University of Wellington, established in 1897 and situated in New Zealand’s capital, is a research-led university serving a diverse student body of around 23,000. The university is known for strengths in arts, law, humanities, social sciences and research across public policy and environmental disciplines, offering a blend of rigorous scholarship and practical engagement with national institutions.

The Wellington campus places students at the heart of a lively cultural and political city, where internships, public-sector connections and creative industries are readily accessible. Academic programmes are complemented by research centres and community-facing projects, and teaching emphasises critical thinking, communication and transferable skills that prepare graduates for varied careers both locally and internationally.

For international students, the university provides support services including orientation, academic help and pathways into student life in Wellington. The city’s compact size, cultural amenities and outdoor opportunities make it friendly for newcomers. Overall, Victoria University of Wellington suits students seeking high-quality research and teaching in a capital-city setting that combines academic rigor with opportunities for professional and civic engagement.

About the Program

New Zealand is a world-leader in marine conservation. It’s an ideal place to develop expertise you can use here and around the world. Our unique and lengthy coastline is home to an abundance of marine organisms, from tiny phytoplankton to the endangered New Zealand sea lion. Here in Wellington, you’ll have the chance to learn at Te Toka Tū Moana—Victoria Coastal Ecology Laboratory, overlooking the spectacular rocky reef systems of Taputeranga Marine Reserve. You'll also visit other world-renowned marine conservation sites. Examine marine conservation issues and practice in New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific, and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Learn how to make a positive impact on these valuable ecosystems around the world. Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook. Apply the theory you learn by going into the field to study different marine environments and ecosystems as part of the course field trips during the year, both in New Zealand and abroad. Gain practical experience in the collection, analysis, and communication of data related to marine conservation and learn what life is like as a real marine conservationist. Students conducting intertidal sampling at Te AngiAngi Marine Reserve as part of our New Zealand Conservation Practice field course. Marine Conservation can be studied through two qualifications. The Master of Marine Conservation (MMarCon) is a taught Master's with no thesis component and is the only taught Marine Conservation Master's degree in New Zealand. Or you can choose to study the Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Conservation (PGCertMarCon), a shorter qualification for those who want to expand their expertise into a new area of interest. Postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, University staff, and future colleagues. You'll have opportunities to attend events, workshops, social functions, and seminars. The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information and provides a voice for you on campus. With increasing pressures on our marine environment, experts in conservation and management of marine organisms and ecosystems are in high demand. You’ll be ready to work in marine conservation here in New Zealand and the South Pacific region, or further afield. You might find work in: You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers. We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. The next step after a Master’s is a PhD. Usually entry into PhD study requires an Honours degree or a Master's with a research thesis. If you're thinking of continuing on to PhD study, you can take a research-based, special topics paper as one of your course choices to help you with entry requirements. I am a citizen of‐ Choose ‐AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBolivia (Plurinational State of)Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo (Democratic Republic of the)Cook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFalkland Is

Scholarships You Could Apply For at Victoria University of Wellington

Funding relevant to this program — the university's own awards and popular scholarships for studying in New Zealand.

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New Zealand · University

Hunter Postgraduate Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

Up to NZD 5,000 towards fees

Master's
Open · Next: No separate application — drawn from Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship applicants (1 November)
New Zealand · University

Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

NZD 15,000/month

Master's
Open · Next: 1 November annually
New Zealand · University

VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

NZD 10,000 towards tuition fees

Master's
Open · Next: No fixed date — same as the relevant programme application closing date; assessed automatically on application
New Zealand · University

Victoria University of Wellington Study Abroad Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

NZD 1,000

Master's
Open · Next: Trimester 1: 16 January; Trimester 2: 1 May
Browse all scholarships →

English Test Requirement

IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0

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