Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture

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From 1 October 2022, NMIT and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Nelson:

20 February 2023
Study options

Full time or part time
Length

1 year fulltime or 2-3 years part time
Total credits

120
Fees

2023: $7,461 plus $240 Student Services Levy

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies ($2 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NE4863

This one-year programme is designed to build on the scientific knowledge gained from your previous degree-level study and give you practical experience to work in marine biology.

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production industry in the world, with a strong focus on sustainability. Nelson is New Zealand's central hub of research and seafood production leaders working in the region.

You will learn to put marine biology theory into practice, and throughout your study, you will have networking and research opportunities that may lead you to the job you want.

This programme will give you an advanced theoretical understanding and the technical and practical skills related to sustainable aquaculture practices.

It will give you the skills to critically assess aquaculture systems and complete an industry research project as part of an internship or in your existing employment. This will encourage you to support the development of sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector through innovation.

The programme has been developed in consultation with the aquaculture and scientific community and industry representatives.

Jamie Bellamy(external link) has graduated with the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture(external link) and says the close connection with industry is an integral part of the programme.

"Dr Mark Burdass has a really close connection with New Zealand King Salmon and does a lot of work with them," says Jamie, "We also visited other industries including oyster farms, mussel hatcheries, and other salmon places to talk with people and find out what they're doing and what issues they are trying to solve."

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

Applicants must have:

A Bachelor’s Degree or a Graduate Certificate or Diploma in a similar subject or relevant skills and knowledge acquired through appropriate work or professional experience.

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language, applicants will need to provide evidence from:

An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each band) from a single test issued within the last two years

A test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Table(external link)

Achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements

Interview

All applicants will be interviewed to assess their suitability for the programme.

Additional distance study requirements

For distance study, applicants must have the following to be able to utilise the online learning environment and complete practical/vocational aspects of the Programme:

Employment in a suitable aquaculture industry workplace

Recent relevant experience and access to a suitable aquaculture industry workplace to undertake an assignment and practical work required for specific courses

Ability to attend compulsory residential workshops

Ability to attend NMIT or an alternative venue at another tertiary institute to complete examinations

Special entry

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience in a similar area, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager (or delegate).

Programme structure

This one-year programme will provide you with integrated study and research opportunities in the areas of sustainable aquaculture practice (30 credits at Level 8) and management (30 credits at Level 8).

These core studies are supported by a course in research methodology (15 credits at Level 7) leading to a six-month research dissertation (45 credits at Level 8).

The aim of the research project is for you to initiate original research while working alongside existing aquaculture businesses and/or research organisations.

Industry-based learning

The Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture programme includes one compulsory industry placement within the Dissertation course at Level 8.

Students will spend at least 100 hours working in industry to conduct research as well as apply campus-based learning in a workplace environment. This experience means you meet people in industry and research and they get to know you.

In the past, the projects students have worked on have included; biotechnology, research on a particular fish species, and the life cycle of a particular seaweed. They have carried out projects in research institutions, private companies and crown research institutes.

Career opportunities and pathways

Upon graduation, you will have the skills and knowledge to progress to higher-level Postgraduate study such as a Master's Degree.

You may follow a career path in New Zealand or overseas such as:

Aquaculture production management
Research technician
Specialist roles such as health management or feed management
Voluntary sector for marine conservation
Department of Conservation marine reserve ranger
Ministry of Primary Industries fisheries inspector or observer
Public aquarium curatorial staff
Business management in aquaculture aquatic environmental field such as environmental officer for local government.