Are you dreaming of a career as an aquatic or marine research scientist? Maybe an environmental consultant or a researcher? Take the first steps toward the dream with this action-packed two year course. You'll study marine biology, coastal botany, fisheries management, conservation, ecology, marine surveying, coastal management, reporting and more.
Marine Studies
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Diploma in Marine Studies Level 6
- Two years, full-time
- February
- Windermere
- Financial Support & Scholarships
- Post me a Brochure
During the programme you’ll be immersed in both highly practical hands-on work and theoretical study. You’ll take part in real-life surveying work in and around the Bay of Plenty, including the Tuhua Marine Reserve.
When you’ve successfully graduated from the diploma, you’re also able to complete just one more year to obtain a Bachelor of Science (University of Waikato) with a major in Biological Sciences, right here in Tauranga.
Content Details
Year One
- Coastal botany
Students gain an introductory knowledge of the biology and ecology of coastal New Zealand plants and an ability to identify them in the field. - Marine invertebrates
This course provides students with an introductory knowledge of the biology, ecology and classification of marine invertebrates and an ability to identify them. - Marine surveying
This course enables students to gain the knowledge and skills to carry out a range of introductory survey and data collection methods. The majority of this course is conducted around the Mercury Islands. - Marine mammals, birds and fish
During this course students gain the knowledge and understanding of the biology, ecology and behaviour of marine mammals, birds and fish. - Fisheries management Aotearoa New Zealand
This course provides people with an introductory knowledge of the New Zealand fishing industry and the management of the resource. The Maori perspectives of fisheries both historical and customary is also examined. - Marine science and ecology
Students gain the knowledge and understanding of general marine science, particularly aspects of marine ecology. - Conservation issues and perspective
During this course students gain an understanding of a range of conservation issues as well as cultural and idealogical philosophies relevant to the marine environment, allowing them to identify their own personal perspective on conservation issues.
Students on the course in 2011 made a range of videos exploring and highlighting important current issues. Check out their videos and learn more. - Practical skills 1:
PADI Open Water Diver
PADI Advanced Diver
PADI Rescue diver
First Aid and DAN Oxygen - Practical Skills 2:
Boatmasters's Certificate
PADI Divemaster
Restricted Radio Telephone Operator's Certificate
Year Two
The second year of study sees the development of more specialist skills and knowledge to provide the tools to undertake targeted research on topics which inspire the individual student.
- Marine ecology and monitoring
Students gain the knowledge and understanding of the biology, ecology and behaviour of marine flora and fauna and the knowledge and skills to conduct and organise basic marine surveys. This course includes ten days of subtidal research at either Tuhua (Mayor Island) or Whakahau (Slipper Island). - Surveying and sampling techniques
This course enables students to understand the design of questionnaires, sampling and experiments. Survey techniques, emphasising computer-assisted presentation and analysis of data are also examined. - Freshwater ecology and monitoring
This course provides people with the knowledge and understanding of the freshwater environment and enables them to establish correct sampling techniques for freshwater systems and to determine future protocols for monitoring change. - Coastal management
Students gain an understanding of key legislation, planning documents and organisations important in the management of New Zealand's marine resources and the options and methods available for resolving conflict regarding the use of these resources. - Marine reporting (project)
During this course students develop the skills and knowledge to initiate, plan, organise and produce a report on an approved topic and present the results to an appropriate audience.
You must also complete at least three options from the list below:
- PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
This course enables you to teach diving to students. The PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor rating is the most sought after and recognised diving instructor qualification worldwide. This options utilses the purpose-built heated pool and adjoining classrooms which runs over six weeks in the middle of the year. - Aquaculture 1 - system design and maintenance
This course provides students with the specific knowledge of a variety of aquaculture system designs and how to establish, monitor and maintain them. - Aquaculture 2 - growth, feeds and nutrition
Students gain the specific knowledge of the processes involved in the production, growth and health of a number of aquaculture species. - Marine tourism
This course provides students with an overview of the marine tourism industry enabling them to analyse the tourism industry in New Zealand, assess the matching of current products to specific client groups and design a theme based itinerary for a special interest tourist group. To analyse and demonstrate outdoor risk management and leadership skills. - Biosecurity
- Flexi option to be discussed with staff
Qualifications Gained
Upon successful completion of the relevant courses you will receive:
- PADI Open Water Diver
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Rescue Diver and Divemaster Certificates
- Project Jonah Marine Mammal Medic's Certificate
- Comprehensive First Aid Certificate
- DAN Oxygen Providers Certificate
- NZ Coastguard Boatmasters Certificate
- Restricted Radio Telephone Operator's Certificate
- PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors Certificate (if chosen as option)
