Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Bioprotection is a new Level 9 taught master's at Lincoln University focused on protecting New Zealand’s natural ecosystems, primary production and biosecurity systems from invasive pests. It replaces the former Master of Pest Management and has been redesigned using feedback from graduates and industry to provide broader knowledge, practical experience and a pathway towards doctoral research.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Learn to design, implement and monitor pest-management systems using scientific and evidence-based approaches.
• Develop environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable pest-management strategies.
• Choose between plant pest management and vertebrate pest management.
• Gain practical experience through industry or external-organisation placements.
• Develop skills in pest biology, ecology, conservation, GIS, spatial analysis, remote sensing and pest-control planning.
• Learn to evaluate pest-management outcomes and identify developing physiological or behavioural resistance.
• Build research, scientific communication and adaptive-management capabilities.
• Potentially develop a pathway towards PhD study.
• Gain knowledge applicable to agriculture, conservation, biosecurity, government and environmental management.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme contains 180 credits of taught courses and requires students to select one specialisation stream. Lincoln's current programme page identifies two specialisation streams, although the individual stream course schedules are presented through the programme structure rather than fully reproduced on the main webpage.

The two streams are:

• Plant pest management
• Vertebrate pest management

The programme develops knowledge and skills in areas including:

• Pest biology and ecology.
• Plant diseases and pest organisms.
• Vertebrate pest management.
• Wildlife management and conservation.
• Pest-control strategies.
• Adaptive management.
• Biometric analysis.
• GIS and spatial analysis.
• Raster and vector GIS models.
• GPS and remote sensing.
• ArcGIS applications.
• Sustainable pest-management planning.
• Scientific research and communication.
• Environmental and social considerations in pest control.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme has two formal specialisation streams:

1. Plant pest management
2. Vertebrate pest management

Programme Highlights

• New programme introduced for 2026.
• Replaces the former Master of Pest Management.
• 180-credit Level 9 taught master's.
• 1.5 years full-time.
• Two specialisation streams.
• Focus on plant or vertebrate pest management.
• Practical industry/research-placement opportunities.
• Strong connection with biosecurity, conservation and primary production.
• Training in GIS, remote sensing and ecological analysis.
• Sustainable and socially acceptable pest-management emphasis.
• Potential PhD pathway for students achieving the required academic performance.

Career Outcomes

Lincoln states that graduates will be well positioned for roles in:

• Primary production.
• Government organisations involved in pest control.
• Border safety and biosecurity.
• Agricultural consultancy.
• Pest control and plant protection.

Potential career directions can include:

• Biosecurity specialist.
• Pest-management advisor.
• Agricultural consultant.
• Plant protection specialist.
• Conservation or wildlife-management professional.
• Government biosecurity officer.
• Environmental consultant.
• Pest-control programme manager.
• Research or technical officer.
• GIS/environmental data roles related to pest management.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The Master of Bioprotection is a new programme that commenced as a replacement for the Master of Pest Management. Lincoln's 2025 announcement explains that the programme was rebuilt after consultation with alumni and industry to broaden its scope and improve practical relevance.

Important current requirements and conditions include:

• Relevant Level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent.
• B average or better in 300-level and final-year full-time-equivalent courses.
• Selection of one specialisation.
• Completion of 180 credits.
• Academic Board approval of the candidate/course of study.
• English-language requirements where applicable.
• Practical/industry or research-placement opportunities subject to availability and approval.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students must hold a current, valid New Zealand visa that permits study at Lincoln University.

For a new international student, Lincoln states that a Student Visa application requires:

• Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, normally a fee receipt.
• Passport.
• Digital photograph.
• Proof of NZ$20,000 per year for living expenses.
• Evidence of funds to cover travel to the home country at the end of study, or an air ticket.
• Visa application fee.

Immigration New Zealand may additionally request:

• Medical certificates or chest X-ray.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional information depending on the applicant's circumstances.