Victoria University of Wellington
Master of Environmental Science – MEnvSc
Wellington, New Zealand
Master degree
DURATION
18 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The state of the planet is one of the biggest issues facing humankind today. Gain the knowledge and experience to become a skilled environmental scientist.
Resolve Environmental Issues
Risks posed by climate change, sea level rise, and stresses on our natural resources highlight the need for environmental scientists and advisers.
Environmental Science is about understanding how humans connect with and change the natural environment, and is taught through a range of scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, geography, mathematics, and physics.
Learn to assess environmental problems and protect and preserve our natural taonga through your choice of a postgraduate programme in Environmental Science.
Manage Human Impact
Many of New Zealand’s primary industries have an undeniable impact on the environment—agriculture, mining, forestry and fisheries all leave their mark on the planet we live on. Introduced predators pose threats to native wildlife and ecosystems.
As a Master of Environmental Science student, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time on the ground, conducting fieldwork like monitoring the quality of waterways, soil, or air. Gain an understanding of the tools and techniques that can help mitigate the human impact on the environment. And learn to analyse complex data sets, draw conclusions, and communicate scientific results to effect policy and regulatory change.
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.
What you’ll study
The 180-point Master of Environmental Science can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters) or up to three years of part-time study.
Part 1
The first part of the MEnvSc comprises taught courses spread over Trimesters 1 and 2.
There are three core courses, designed to give you an interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary environmental science issues facing New Zealand and the world. You’ll develop the field and lab skills essential for an environmental scientist, and undertake independent research on an environmental science topic.
Focus your study on an area of interest with additional courses from a range of approved courses, covering fields from biology and chemistry to geophysics, geology, and statistics.
Part 2
Part 2 of the MEnvSc takes place in Trimester 3. You’ll choose between either an extended research project or a placement with an employer and an applied research project.
Gain an Edge in your Career
Environmental Science is an area of strategic opportunity for New Zealand. There is an increasing need for scientifically trained graduates able to influence environmental decision-making and to facilitate the science–policy–practice nexus throughout government, private and community sectors.
