About the programme
The Master of Applied Science in Environmental Management (Research) is an NZQF level 9 research programme at Lincoln University in New Zealand focused on how environments and people are managed. The standard route is 240 credits over two years of full-time study.
The Master of Applied Science lets students combine study and application across fields such as agriculture, industry, communications, recreation and tourism, and connect them to international rural development and the management and conservation of the biosphere and natural resources.
The Environmental Management specialisation is organised around three questions: how we live, how we should live and how we could live. It treats environmental problems as bound up with social, cultural, political and economic practices operating at different scales. Students build advanced knowledge along with research, critical analysis, evaluation, problem-solving and communication skills suited to such complex issues.
Typically 120 credits come from coursework and 120 from a thesis, with the first year serving as research preparation. Required elements are Advanced Theory in Resource Studies and one social science research methods course, quantitative or qualitative (another 600-level methods course may be substituted with Academic Board approval). Students then take at least two 600-level courses with ECOL, ERST, LWST, MAST or WATR prefixes and up to two more from the wider schedule; the six courses together must form a coherent programme approved by the Academic Co-ordinator. A thesis-only option of at least 120 credits also exists. Teaching is on the Lincoln University campus.
The programme suits graduates who want to research the complex links between people and the natural environment from an interdisciplinary angle.
Entry requirements
- 240-credit route (thesis plus exams): a relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent, with at least a B average in 300-level and final-year courses
- 120-credit route (thesis only): a relevant postgraduate honours degree at Second Class Honours, Division One or equivalent
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements
What you study
- Advanced Theory in Resource Studies — compulsory, 20 credits
- SOCI 601 — Social Science Research Methods (Quantitative) — option
- SOCI 602 — Social Science Research Methods (Qualitative) — option
- At least two 600-level courses with ECOL, ERST, LWST, MAST or WATR prefixes (40 credits)
- Up to two 600-level courses from the Schedule of Courses (up to 40 credits)
- Thesis — 120 credits
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
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