Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of International Nature Conservation (Research) at Lincoln University is a research master's jointly awarded with the University of Göttingen in Germany. It is designed for students seeking an international perspective on biodiversity conservation, ecology, wildlife management and species protection. The programme combines study in New Zealand and Germany, exposing students to contrasting conservation environments and approaches.

Key benefits include:

• Joint degree awarded by Lincoln University and the University of Göttingen.
• International exposure to conservation practices in two contrasting regions.
• Study of conservation issues across natural, agricultural and highly modified landscapes.
• Development of practical ecology and conservation skills.
• Flexible coursework and research-topic selection.
• 12 weeks of practical work experience, potentially through an internship in New Zealand or overseas.
• Strong preparation for conservation, biodiversity and species-protection careers.
• Opportunity to develop research skills through a 120-credit dissertation.
• All courses are taught in English.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme has a flexible structure combining coursework, practical experience and research.

Lincoln University component:

Students select courses from areas including:

• Conservation Biology – ECOL 609, 20 credits.
• Wildlife Management – ECOL 612, 20 credits.
• Advanced Ecology – ECOL 630, 20 credits.
• Aspects of Sustainability: An International Perspective – ERST 636, 20 credits.
• Animal Behaviour – ECOL 631, 20 credits.
• Advanced Geographic Information Systems A – ERST 606, 20 credits.
• Advanced Insect Diversity and Ecology – ENTO 625, 20 credits.
• Mana Kaitiaki (M?ori Resource Management) – MAST 603, 20 credits.

Research-method options include:

• Research Methods in Ecology – ECOL 608, 20 credits.
• Applied Research Methods – ECON 615, 20 credits.
• Advanced Theory in Resource Studies – ERST 601, 20 credits.
• Social Science Research Methods (Quantitative) – SOCI 601, 20 credits.
• Social Science Research Methods (Qualitative) – SOCI 602, 20 credits.
• Integrated Environmental Management – ERST 633, 20 credits.
• Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment – ERST 621, 20 credits.
• Indigenous Planning & Development – MAST 606, 20 credits.

Students also select 20 credits of electives, subject to Academic Board approval.

University of Göttingen component:

• Minimum 60 credits, equivalent to 30 ECTS.
• Courses are approved by the Academic Coordinator.
• The programme structure is designed to avoid significant duplication between the two universities.

Research component:

• 120-credit dissertation/thesis.
• Research topic must be approved.
• Students must also complete the required practical fieldwork period.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no separately named majors or formal specialisations listed on the current programme page.

Students can tailor their studies and research around areas such as:

• Conservation biology
• Wildlife management
• Ecology
• Animal behaviour
• Species conservation
• Biodiversity
• Sustainability
• Environmental management
• Geographic information systems
• Environmental impact assessment
• Indigenous resource management
• Insect ecology
• Conservation research and monitoring

Programme Highlights

• 240-credit Level 9 research master's.
• Two-year full-time structure.
• Jointly awarded by Lincoln University and the University of Göttingen.
• Study opportunities in New Zealand and Germany.
• Coursework in English.
• Minimum 60 credits at the University of Göttingen.
• 120-credit research dissertation.
• 12 weeks of practical work experience.
• Potential internship opportunities with conservation organisations.
• Focus on international conservation challenges.
• Exposure to both New Zealand biodiversity and European conservation approaches.
• Flexible course and research selection.

Career Outcomes

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for careers in local and international conservation and species protection.

Potential career areas include:

• Conservation organisations
• Wildlife management
• Biodiversity conservation
• Species protection
• Ecological consultancy
• Environmental management
• Conservation research
• Government conservation agencies
• Non-governmental organisations
• International conservation organisations
• Environmental policy and planning
• Conservation monitoring
• Research institutions
• Further doctoral research

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current Lincoln programme page lists the next starts as 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.

Important programme-specific requirements include:

• Academic Board approval of the candidate.
• Relevant bachelor's-level academic background.
• B average or better in specified advanced undergraduate study.
• English-language requirement.
• Approval of the student's overall course of study.
• Approved dissertation/research topic.
• Required practical fieldwork.
• Study at both Lincoln University and the University of Göttingen.
• At least 60 credits at Göttingen, equivalent to 30 ECTS.
• No more than the equivalent of 60 taught credits at either university. 

International Student Visa Requirements

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

For a new student, Lincoln states that the 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 funds of NZ$20,000 per year for living expenses.
• Evidence of funds for travel to the student's home country at the end of study, or an air ticket to the home country.
• 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.