Overview

The Ecology and Biodiversity major within the Bachelor of Climate Change at the University of Waikato provides students with a deep understanding of the natural world's response to environmental shifts. This interdisciplinary degree combines rigorous scientific training with social, cultural, and economic perspectives to prepare graduates for leadership roles in climate adaptation. By focusing on the abundance and biology of organisms, the curriculum addresses the most pressing ecological challenges facing humanity today.

Why Ecology and Biodiversity at the University of Waikato?

Studying at this institution offers a unique integration of Mātauranga Māori, ensuring that graduates value diverse worldviews when developing authentic environmental solutions. The university provides access to diverse New Zealand ecosystems and biota through essential field trips and laboratory work. A defining feature of the programme is the final-year multidisciplinary group project, where students collaborate with external organisations to design effective low-carbon strategies and real-world climate solutions.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: NZD 42230 per year
National fee: NZD 8620 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Concepts of Biology
Ecology and Biodiversity
Critical Social Science Research
Climate Change Science
Arts Activism in a Changing Environment
Advanced Animal Behaviour
Terrestrial Ecology
Freshwater Ecology
Marine Ecology
Advanced Plant Biology

Careers with Ecology and Biodiversity

Graduates are equipped with the cultural competency and analytical skills required for various professional sectors. The programme prepares individuals for roles that involve managing environmental impacts through mitigation and adaptation strategies.

The degree fosters the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, making graduates highly valuable to government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private environmental consultancies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Arts Activism in a Changing Environment

Animal Structure and Function

Plant Structure and Function

Climate Change Modelling, Impacts and Adaptation

Māori and Pacific Responses to Climate Change

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-03-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-17 00:00:00
Starting 2027-07-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-30 00:00:00

More details

Applications submitted after the deadline may be accepted if space is available.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

OR

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Hamilton, New Zealand

Disciplines

Biodiversity & Conservation Ecology View 11 other Bachelors in Biodiversity & Conservation in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

Other requirements

General requirements

Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID) - Applicants must have qualified for the diploma with grades of 3 or higher in each of at least 4 subjects.

International Baccalaureate (taken in NZ or overseas) - Completed International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) or Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) - A minimum of 120 points on the New Zealand CAIE Tariff at A or AS level, including at least three subjects (excluding Thinking Skills) in which no grade is lower than D.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The University of Waikato and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42230 NZD / year

≈ 42230 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8620 NZD / year

≈ 8620 NZD / year

Additional Details

Domestic: $8,132 - $8,290 per year

Living costs

Hamilton

New Zealand

1470 - 2020 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Ecology and Biodiversity.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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