Master of Marine Conservation (MMarCon)

Land crab, Palmyra Atoll, Central Pacific

On this page

• About the Masters programme
• Why study in New Zealand?
• International links
• Academic teaching staff
• Closing dates and applications

Welcome to post-graduate study in Marine Conservation

The School of Biological Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington is pleased to offer New Zealand's first graduate programme in Marine Conservation. The programme educates students in marine conservation issues and practice using examples from New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific, which are applicable worldwide.

New Zealand is an ideal location to undertake study in this important field, with unparalleled access to a range of temperate marine environments, including rocky shores, estuaries, fiords and sea mounts. Wellington itself is within easy reach of 2 marine reserves – Kapiti and Taputeranga. The course also leverages New Zealand’s international reputation in marine conservation and fisheries management.

Two options are available:

• Master of Marine Conservation (MMarCon), a taught Masters with no thesis component. It can be completed in 12 or 18 months, depending on previous study or experience in the field.

• Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Conservation (PGCertMarCon), involving 3 - 6 months of course work.

White spotted puffer fish, Central Pacific

New Zealand is a world-leader in marine conservation. We produce graduates with the skills to conserve marine environments in New Zealand, the Pacific and worldwide. With the pressing need for scientists to advise on, implement and manage the growing number of Marine Protected Areas both in the South Pacific region and world-wide, marine conservation graduates are highly sought-after.

About the Masters programme

The MMarCon is the only taught marine conservation Masters degree in New Zealand. It focuses on developing the knowledge and skills required for a career in this field. Most students take 18 months of full-time study to complete the course, although those with an Honours degree or a minimum of 6 months relevant full-time work experience can complete the programme in 12 months. The programme is made up of core and elective papers and may be started in either January or June.

Dr James Bell conducting an invertebrate study with students, at Te Angi Angi Marine Reserve, Hawke's Bay.

Why study in New Zealand?

New Zealand is a unique place to study marine conservation. Its extensive coastline reaches from sub-tropical climates in the far north to the remote and windswept Stewart Island, in southern latitudes. Home to numerous rare and endemic marine organisms, from the tiny phytoplankton to the formidable sealion, New Zealand’s unspoilt natural beauty is legendary.

Students will visit several world-renowned marine conservation sites as part of the course, with Kaikoura a particular highlight. Its unique location supports a profusion of wildlife, including sperm whales, dolphins, albatrosses, seals and penguins, which are easily accessible from land. The conservation management necessary for the growing tourism industry based on this accessibility is examined as a case study.

The programme also deals directly with marine conservation issues of cultural and socioeconomic significance to Māori and Pacific peoples, such as exploitation of coastal regions and ecotourism, seabed and foreshore rights, and community-led conservation strategies.

International links

The programme includes a two-week field course to Australia, where students visit tropical mangroves, seagrass beds and Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Current hot issues such as shark and dugong conservation, coral bleaching and management of the Great Barrier Reef will be explored by University of Queensland staff, including world-leading coral reef biologists. Teaching contributions are also made by staff from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Academic teaching staff

The programme brings together staff in the School of Biological Sciences with existing strengths in marine biology and conservation biology. Dr James Bell, the course coordinator, has extensive experience of marine conservation and management of temperate and tropical ecosystems from around the world. Other staff from the School involved in the programme include Dr Simon Davy, Dr Jonathan Gardner, Dr Ken Ryan, Dr Adele Whyte, Dr Jeff Shima, Dr Nicole Phillips, Dr Murray Williams, Dr Joe Zucarello and Dr Nicky Nelson. In addition to Victoria University staff, we also have teaching contributions from a large range of speakers from conservation groups and government agencies (see course information for details).

Closing dates and applications

Closing dates for study beginning in January is October 15th, and April 1st for studies starting in June. Late applications may be possible by negotiation, depending on circumstances.   Please contact the programme director before making an official application.

For more information please contact the programme director, Dr James Bell.

All photographs ©Dr JJ Bell