Marine Studies

Develop your skills in:

• Subtidal and intertidal monitoring and surveying
• Marine science and ecology
• Aquaculture development and initiatives
• Marine and coastal resource planning and management
• Freshwater, subtidal and intertidal monitoring and surveying
• Marine tourism
• Utilising skills gained for marine recreation
• Environmental legislation
• Scuba diving and boat handling
• Projects – you choose an area in which you wish to further your study

Core Courses
Marine Ecology
You will gain knowledge and an understanding of the biology, ecology and behaviour of marine flora and fauna, with the skills to conduct and organise basic marine surveys.

Freshwater Ecology and Monitoring
This course examines the freshwater environment, and provides you with skills to establish correct sampling techniques for freshwater systems and to determine future protocols for  monitoring change.

Coastal Management
Key legislation, planning documents and organisations important in the management of New Zealand’s marine resources will be taught in this course. You’ll also gain an  understanding of the options and methods available for resolving conflict regarding the use of these resources.

Marine Reporting
You will learn the skills and knowledge to initiate, plan, organise and produce a report on an approved topic and present the results to an appropriate audience.

Practical Skills I
• PADI Open Water Diver
• PADI Advanced Diver
• PADI Rescue Diver
• First Aid/DAN Oxygen

Practical Skills II
• Boatmaster’s Certificate
• PADI Divemaster Certificate
• Restricted Radio Telephone Operator’s Certificate

Options
You must also complete at least three from:
• Aquaculture 1 – System Design and Maintenance
• Aquaculture 2 – Growth, Feeds and Nutrition
• Marine Tourism
• Biosecurity
• PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
• Coral Reef Ecology
• Flexi option: please discuss possibilities with staff, as they are wide-ranging.

Note: Some options may be scheduled in the holiday breaks. If you choose an option which is timetabled during a holiday break, you will have the corresponding time off in term when  other options are being taught.

• You must have a relevant university or polytechnic degree e.g. science, resource management or tourism.
• You must have a medical certificate certified by a doctor with training in hyperbaric medicine, stating that you're fit to dive. We can advise details of doctors who have this training.

English Language Requirements

If you are an overseas student or a new resident and English is not your first language, please note that study at tertiary level requires both written and oral participation.

You will be required to have an IELTS score of 6 or TOEFL score of 550.

• $3,973 incl. course related costs, plus optional courses (see brochure)

The standard published fee is applicable for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents only.

An international fee is payable for non New Zealand citizens/permanent residents.

Upon successful completion of the programme you will receive:

• Diploma in Marine Studies Level 6
• PADI Open Water Diver Certificate
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Certificate
• PADI Rescue Diver Certificate
• PADI Divemaster Certificate
• DAN Oxygen Providers Certificate
• Comprehensive First Aid Certificate
• New Zealand Coastguard Boatmaster’s Certificate

In addition, you may also gain the following qualifications, dependent on the options you choose:

• PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor’s Certificate
• Local Launch Operator Licence or Inshore Launchmaster Certificate

Have a look at your Career Opportunities.