About the programme
The Bachelor of Science (Individual Major) is an NZQF Level 7 programme at Lincoln University in which students design their own science major in an area not covered by the named majors. It carries 360 credits and takes 3 years of full-time study.
The degree is aimed at students whose interests do not fit a ready-made major. A focus might be biochemistry, genetics, animal science or plant science, or a combination of fields such as ecology with soil science, or animal science with genetics. Knowledge is applied at several scales, from whole ecosystems and plant ecology down to the molecular level.
Study rests on a foundation in the core sciences. In the first year Biological Sciences is compulsory, together with at least one of chemistry, earth and ecological science, or environmental physics. Biometrics is compulsory in the second year. The rest of the plan is made up of electives, and these are what define the major.
An individual major must have a coherent focus. Students need at least 75 credits at 300 level from the BSc schedule, of which at least 60 must come from Schedule A, Part 2, and no more than 165 credits at 100 level. As a rule, an area of focus is marked out by at least three 300-level courses sharing a prefix. A course advisor helps plan the first two years so the right advanced courses are open later.
The programme aims to prepare graduates to contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of New Zealand's land, water, air and other natural resources.
Entry requirements
- Domestic applicants: University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent.
- Overseas qualifications are assessed under the university's international entry criteria.
- Separate English language requirements apply if English is not your first language.
- Recommended school subjects: biology, chemistry, English and maths/statistics (strongly advised), plus computing.
What you study
- BIOS 110 Biological Sciences (compulsory, Year 1)
- PHSC 101 Chemistry IA (List A option)
- ENSC 101 Introduction to Earth and Ecological Sciences (List A option)
- PHSC 103 Environmental Physics (List A option)
- QMET 201 Biometrics (compulsory, Year 2)
- 200- and 300-level electives that define the individual major
Careers after graduation
- Environmental land management
- Conservation and restoration
- Consultancy
- Local and central government roles
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