Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Applied Science at Lincoln University is a research-based master’s degree designed for students who want to investigate applied problems connected with land, natural resources, environmental management, agriculture, recreation, tourism and related areas. Lincoln describes the programme as allowing students to connect different topics with real-world relevance to the future of the planet and natural resources.

Key benefits include:

• Research-focused postgraduate study with substantial thesis work.
• Opportunity to combine academic study with practical application.
• Access to Lincoln University’s specialist land-based research environment.
• Opportunity to develop advanced research, critical-analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Potential preparation for further doctoral research.
• Ability to select an established specialisation or work with a supervisor to develop an individually tailored programme.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard 240-credit programme consists of:

Year 1:

• Normally 120 credits of taught courses selected from the relevant Master's schedule.
• Preliminary research preparation.

Year 2:

• 120-credit research thesis.

The thesis is the major research component of the qualification.

The exact taught-course combination depends on the selected specialisation and the student's approved programme of study. Students should work with their supervisor/academic staff to ensure the selected courses form a coherent programme.

Disciplines / Specialisations

Lincoln currently identifies three specialisations within the Master of Applied Science:

• Master of Applied Science – Environmental Management
• Master of Applied Science – Land and Society
• Master of Applied Science – Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Alternatively, students can work with their supervisor to curate their own programme.

The subject areas therefore include themes such as:

• Environmental management
• Land and society
• Parks and recreation
• Tourism
• Natural resources
• Conservation
• Agriculture and land-based industries
• International rural development
• Environmental and resource management

Programme Highlights

• Level 9 master's qualification.
• Research Master's / Taught and Research Master's.
• 240 credits for the standard pathway.
• 2 years full-time.
• 120 taught credits plus a 120-credit thesis.
• Lincoln University Campus.
• Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry.
• Three established specialisations.
• Option to develop an individually curated research programme.
• Strong focus on applied research relevant to land, resources and environmental challenges.
• Research experience that can support progression towards doctoral study.

Career Outcomes

The degree is particularly suited to graduates seeking research-oriented or advanced professional roles in areas such as:

• Environmental management
• Natural-resource management
• Conservation
• Land-use planning and research
• Environmental research
• Agriculture and land-based industries
• Parks and recreation
• Tourism and destination research
• Resource policy and planning
• Government and local-authority organisations
• Research institutions
• Environmental and resource consultancies
• Universities and other education/research organisations

International Student Visa Requirements

International students must hold a valid visa permitting study in New Zealand 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 for living expenses of NZ$20,000 per year.
• Evidence of funds for travel to the 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 where applicable.