• A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses

• If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.

Summary of Regulations

• Students are required to complete 180 credits of taught courses from the Schedule of Courses for the Master of Pest Management over three semesters (18 months of study) and select one area of specialisation.

What's it going to cost?

The Master of Pest Management is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to study this programme for free. Learn more here. 

If you are an international student, see our list of International Fees. 

You can start studying in either:

• Semester 1 (late February)
• Exceptions for well-prepared candidates can be made for entry in Semester 2 (mid-July)

Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.

Knowledge

• Describe the scientific, political and economic factors that influence the management of vertebrate pest species in New Zealand and internationally.
• Explain and use basic biometric analysis techniques.
• Understand the ecological theory underpinning wildlife management and conservation.
• Describe the biology and ecology of specified plant disease and pest organisms and identify appropriate and acceptable management options.
• Understand the strategic, tactical and logistical issues that wildlife managers need to address before instigating any vertebrate pest management action.
• Understand how to use GIS analysis to solve ecological problems at a landscape scale.

Skills

• Communicate the results of literature reviews (using library databases) and research projects clearly and concisely, in various written and oral forms.
• Identify and apply GIS spatial analysis techniques to both raster and vector models.
• Incorporate GPS and Remote Sensing data appropriately into GIS analyses using the ArcGis software suite.
• Manage, analyse and interpret monitoring data collected in the field (including species ID).
• Develop management plans for plant pests that integrate various control methods into programmes suitable for both host and pest/disease development phases.
• Understand how to conceive and design a research project, including the formulation of good questions with realistic research goals, adhering to both animal and human ethics requirements.

Values

• Understand the philosophy and ethics of science research and communication.
• Understand how an existing plant-pest control programmes can continue to meet the needs of growers in a sustainable way.