About the programme
The Bachelor of Science (Conservation and Ecology) is an NZQF Level 7 undergraduate degree at Lincoln University that prepares conservation and ecology specialists. It carries 360 credits and takes 3 years of full-time study on the Lincoln University campus; graduates receive a Bachelor of Science with a Conservation and Ecology major.
Lincoln stresses that skilled specialists are needed now more than ever to protect the natural environment and keep it healthy as the world changes. The major provides a firm grounding in the relevant sciences together with practical skills, combining academic study with hands-on experience and industry connections. Lincoln presents itself as a recognised leader in land-based tertiary education.
Students build a scientific understanding of the causes of major conservation problems and possible solutions, studying biology, ecology, geology and plant and animal science. They learn ecological and evolutionary theory, New Zealand's natural history, how to identify flora and fauna, how to manage and restore threatened populations, species and ecosystems, and what drives the decline of native biodiversity. Field trips and laboratory work build practical skills, and teaching comes from scientists active in conservation and ecology research. Māori perspectives and the importance of Indigenous knowledge are also covered.
Courses include earth and ecological sciences, biological sciences, New Zealand ecology, molecular ecology and evolution, biological diversity, biometrics, field ecology methods, advanced field research, agroecology and applied ecology, plus at least two options such as insect ecology, plant diseases, landscape ecology, environmental plant biology, plant protection and GIS. An additional major or minor may be possible.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent, with separate guidance for overseas qualifications.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet additional English language requirements.
- Biology, English and maths or statistics are highly recommended; chemistry, computing, geography or social studies, Māori studies and PE or outdoor education are also useful.
What you study
- Introduction to Earth and Ecological Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Ecology I: New Zealand Ecology and Conservation
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution
- Biological Diversity
- Biometrics and Field Ecology Methods
- Advanced Field Research
- AgroEcology
- Applied Ecology and Conservation
- Options such as Insect Ecology and Diversity, Landscape Ecology, Plant Diseases and GIS and Applications in Natural Resource Analysis
Careers after graduation
- Ecology and conservation
- Nature restoration
- Wildlife biology
- Local and regional councils and the Department of Conservation
- Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Primary Industries, Manaaki Whenua / Landcare Research
- Conservation programmes and bodies such as Predator Free New Zealand, Zero Invasive Predators and Fish and Game
- Environmental consultancies, universities and non-governmental conservation organisations
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website