Master of Bioprotection
Master of Bioprotection
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Upcoming start dates
Semester 1 - 16 Feb 2026
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Qualification
Taught Master's
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Duration
1.5 years full-time
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Credits
180
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Location
Lincoln University Campus
Help secure native ecosystems throughout New Zealand and the world.
This programme is subject to approval by the Committee on University Academic Programmes.
Study for free
If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply.
Learn more about fee waiver options
About this programme
New Zealand is facing a host of challenges from invasive pests. There is an urgent need for trained experts with the skills to strengthen our bioprotection and conserve our natural spaces.
You'll learn how to design, implement and monitor pest management systems with a scientific grounding to ensure the safety of our ecosystems.
You'll specialise in plant or vertebrate pest management, with the opportunity to spend a semester on a research placement conducting real world work.
Key features
- Learn how to design and implement environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable management programmes in response to specific pest problems.
- Understand how to monitor the outcomes of pest management strategies, measuring impacts and pinpointing any developing physiological and behavioural resistance to control tools.
- Gain in-depth understanding of adaptive management, and learn how to effectively share new research findings to influence current practice.
- Work alongside industry or gain a valuable placement in a relevant organisation.
Career opportunities
You’ll be well positioned for a role in the primary production sector, with a government organisation involved with pest control and border safety, or as an agricultural consultant advising on pest control and plant protection.
Programme structure
The Master of Bioprotection has two specialisation streams that each have their own programme structures. Use the links below to view the structures for each stream.
Vertebrate Pest Stream
Schedule A
Core courses: (60 credits)
- ECOL 608 - Research Methods in Ecology
- ERST 606 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems A
- ECOL 612 Wildlife Management
Schedule B
At least two of: (40 credits)
- ECOL 631 - Animal Behaviour
- PLPT 613 - Plant Pathology
- PLSC 611A - Plant and Crop Physiology
- MAST 603 - Mana Kaitiaki (Māori Resource Management)
- ERST 633 - Integrated Environmental Management
At least two of: (40 credits)
- ECOL 609 - Conservation Biology
- ENTO 612 - Advanced Entomology
- ERST 607 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems B
- PLPT 611 - Integrated Plant Pest Management
- ENTO 625 - Adv. Insect Ecology and Diversity
- AGRI 601 - Future Ethical and Sustainable Agriculture
Schedule C
Up to 20 credits from:
- ECOL/PLPT 697
- ECOL/PLPT 698
- ECOL/PLPT 699
Elective (20 credits)
Any other courses from the Schedule of Master’s Degree courses listed in the Lincoln University Calendar to form a coherent programme of study, and approved by the Academic Coordinator.
Search Master's degree courses
PhD pathway
Where a student has attained an A- average over two semesters of study, they may be invited to substitute a 60-credit dissertation across three courses in each of Schedules B and C.
Plant Pest Stream
Schedule A
Core courses: (60 credits)
- ECOL 608 - Research Methods in Ecology
- ERST 606 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems A
- PLPT 611 - Integrated Plant Pest Management
Schedule B
At least two of: (40 credits)
- ECOL 631 - Animal Behaviour
- PLPT 613 - Plant Pathology
- PLSC 611A - Plant and Crop Physiology
- MAST 603 - Mana Kaitiaki (Māori Resource Management)
- ERST633 - Integrated Environmental Management
At least two of: (40 credits)
- ECOL 609 - Conservation Biology
- ENTO 612 - Advanced Entomology
- ERST 607 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems B
- PLSC 601B - Agronomy
- PLSC 611B - Plant and Crop Physiology
- ENTO 625 - Adv. Insect Ecology and Diversity
- AGRI 601 - Future Ethical and Sustainable Agriculture
Schedule C
Up to 20 credits from:
- ECOL/PLPT 697
- ECOL/PLPT 698
- ECOL/PLPT 699
Elective (20 credits)
Any other courses from the Schedule of Master’s Degree courses listed in the Lincoln University Calendar to form a coherent programme of study, and approved by the Academic Coordinator.
Search Master's degree courses
Phd Pathway
Where a student has attained an A- average over two semesters of study, they may be invited to substitute a 60-credit dissertation across three courses in each of Schedules B and C.
Programme information
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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 Bioprotection over three semesters (18 months of study) and select one area of specialisation.
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Bioprotection is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about tuition fee waiver options.
If you are an international student, see our list of international fees.
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
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.
- Develop management plans for plant pests that integrate various control methods into programmes suitable for both host and pest/disease development phases.
Values
- Understand the philosophy and ethics of science research and communication.
- Understand how existing plant-pest control programmes can continue to meet the needs of growers in a sustainable way.
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Entry requirements
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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.
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Regulations and fees
Summary of Regulations
- Students are required to complete 180 credits of taught courses from the Schedule of Courses for the Master of Bioprotection over three semesters (18 months of study) and select one area of specialisation.
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Bioprotection is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about tuition fee waiver options.
If you are an international student, see our list of international fees.
-
Intake semesters
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
-
Graduate attributes
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.
- Develop management plans for plant pests that integrate various control methods into programmes suitable for both host and pest/disease development phases.
Values
- Understand the philosophy and ethics of science research and communication.
- Understand how existing plant-pest control programmes can continue to meet the needs of growers in a sustainable way.
Programme contacts
Key information for students
Compare qualification and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Need more info?
Email us on grow@lincoln.ac.nz
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
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