Course Overview

Continue your studies in marine science in the Bay of Plenty's awesome outdoor environment. This level 6 diploma sets you up with more in-depth skills and knowledge and leads you into advanced study to gain your degree.

You'll build on your level 5 course knowledge of marine biology as well as study new fields such as freshwater ecology, and continue your learning in a choice of elective papers such as aquaculture, biosecurity, coral reef ecology and monitoring, PADI instructors, scientific diving or marine tourism.

Your study will have a strong focus on research, and environmental reporting and monitoring, meaning you get the opportunity to work alongside industry and apply your skills in real-world surveying, sampling and monitoring projects. You also learn how to design research and manage data, and understand the regulatory environment.

Depending on your choice of subjects, you could be taking off to remote offshore islands such as Tuhua or Slipper, or even Papua New Guinea to study unique environments, monitor ecosystems or survey indigenous species. Have a look at the awesome field trips our students have taken over the last few years.

Environmental sustainability is crucial to our global decision-making. Sharp, enthusiastic graduates, who understand marine environments and how they are influenced by human activities, are essential to support informed environmental management now and in the future.

By the time you graduate you’ll have gained a variety of practical and risk management skills, and if you want to gain a degree, these diplomas are your ticket into the third year of either the Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) or a Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Biodiversity) with the University of Waikato.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

  • New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Marine) (Level 6)
Locations To be confirmed
Next intake To be confirmed View more details
Study options

1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Total credits 120
StudyLink assistance Available
Indicative Fees $11,741 for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

You could gain employment in a number of exciting areas, including:

  • freshwater or marine monitoring
  • biosecurity
  • iwi liaison
  • fisheries enforcement officers/observers on fishing vessels
  • biosecurity officers
  • diving - PADI instructors
  • specialised research projects
  • environmental reporting
  • own business enterprises
  • roles within regional councils (education, dune care), NZ Customs, MPI, aquariums, or aquaculture industry.

Expand your career opportunities with further study, enrolling in the third year of the Bachelor of Science with the University of Waikato here at Toi Ohomai.

Topics you'll cover

Plus you'll choose THREE electives. 

If you wish to focus on aquaculture, it is recommended you select:

If you wish to focus on diving and tourism, it's recommended you select:

If you wish to focus on biology and ecology, it's recommended you select three from:

Exciting news – we've got a new paper on offer, Tropical Ecology and Monitoring which includes a field trip to the Galapagos Island or Namibia! Find out more.

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * $11,741 for domestic students

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.

  • A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
  • A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.

Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz

Scholarships

Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.


Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

You must:

  • have completed the New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 5), or equivalent

If you do not meet the academic requirements you may be given special admission if Toi Ohomai staff are satisfied you are capable of successfully completing the requirements.

Special admission may also apply for applicants over 20 years.

NB: If you choose to follow the diving pathway through the diplomas you'll need to enrol in the National Certificate in Diving (Foundation Skills) (Level 3) or equivalent, which gives you PADI Open Water, Advanced and Rescue Diver qualifications. The National Certificate in Diving (Foundation Skills) (Level 3) is offered at Toi Ohomai at the same time as the diploma and we'll talk this through with you when you apply.

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

Other Considerations

A first aid certificate is recommended. You will be required to complete one before the end of the course.

If you select the diving option then you must provide a certified doctor's certificate within two weeks of the course start date stating you are fit to dive.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.


Return to course overview

Course Locations and Intake Information

Intakes to be confirmed Ask to be notified when the next intake becomes available

Study options

  • 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

Get a summary of this page

Further Study Options

Courses Offered at Toi Ohomai