Course Overview

Study marine biology in New Zealand's beautiful Bay of Plenty. Our students join us from all over the world to be a part of the fantastic field trips and to be with like-minded people learning about our stunning marine and freshwater environments, and the role they play in a healthy ecosystem. You'll learn about the fascinating range of plants, invertebrates, mammals, birds and fish that live above and below the water.

If you continue on to the Level 6 diploma, you'll gain more advanced skills and knowledge, with a focus on research, and environmental and ecological reporting and monitoring. You’ll also be able to choose from a range of elective papers with an aquaculture, biosecurity, ecological, diving, or marine tourism focus. If you choose the coral reef ecology and monitoring option you may even travel as far as Papua New Guinea to study the reefs.

By the time you graduate you’ll have gained a variety of practical and risk management skills, and if you want to gain a degree, these diplomas are your ticket into the third year of either Te Pukenga’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) or a Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Biodiversity) with the University of Waikato.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

• New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Marine) (Level 5)

If you select the diving pathway as an option you may also receive the award of:

• National Certificate in Diving (Foundation Skills) (Level 3)

General Eligibility

Entry criteria

If you are a domestic applicant under the age of 20, you must have:

• a minimum of 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or equivalent (suggested subjects are English, Mathematics and Biology/Sciences)

If you do not meet the academic requirements you may be given special admission if Toi Ohomai staff are satisfied you are capable of successfully completing the requirements.

Special admission may also apply for applicants over 20 years.

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• Level 5 certificate or diploma IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed NZ Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.