Nationally and internationally, we face increasing challenges associated with human interaction with the marine environment, from rising sea levels, changing temperatures, increasing storm inundation, decreasing biodiversity and fish stocks, to increasing use of the coastal zone for aquaculture. Projecting and managing these changes requires an interdisciplinary approach where an understanding of the physical and biological systems operating in the marine environment is integrated with the complex human interest in the marine environment from conservation to indigenous interest to government (local, region and national) management approaches. The Marine Environmental Science programme is a professional qualification that aims to bridge the gap between the science of the changing marine environment and the needs of those that work in and manage the marine environment. The programme has a strong focus on ensuring that graduates can critically assess scientific information and ensure that decision-making and advice is evidence-based. The course has a large field teaching component, ensuring that candidates experience a wide range of marine environments and management challenges. Students should expect to spend at least 4 weeks in the field plus a residential week at the Ōtākou Marae. Students will work on a wide range of research vessels and from remote field stations in Fiordland, Stewart Island and Western Samoa. The Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Marine Environmental Science is appropriate for graduates of any environmental science programme. Candidates should have some background (study or work experience) in marine environments. Candidates should also have some basic background in mathematics (or physics) and statistics.

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