Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture

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.

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

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

OR

A test or qualification listed as an acceptable alternative by NZQA English Language Proficiency Outcomes.(external link)

OR

Achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements

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

OR

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). 

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.