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Already have a University or Polytechnic degree?... the Diploma in Marine Studies for Graduates runs over just one extended academic year.

 

 

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Take the first step towards a career in marine research or consultancy, conservation management or education, aquatic tourism, aquaculture, teaching and dive instructing as well as many other exciting and rewarding opportunities.

The Diploma in Marine Studies is an intensive and unique two year qualification for employment in the marine industry or for entry into the third year of Auckland University of Technology's Bachelor of Applied Science (environmental studies major) which is also delivered in Tauranga.

 

Click on a link below or scroll down to view the Years One and Two overviews.

YEAR 1 overview

COURSES

1. Marine Mammals, Birds and Fish
2. Invertebrates
3. Marine Science and Ecology
4. Fisheries Management
5. Coastal Botany
6. Marine Surveying
7. Conservation Issues and Perspectives
8. Practical Skills 1
    PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Diver and Rescue Diver,
    First Aid/Dan Oxygen
9. Practical Skills 2
    Boatmasters & restricted Radio Telephone Operator's certificates,
    PADI Divemaster

YEAR 2 overview

COURSES

1. Marine Ecology and Monitoring
2. Sampling and Surveying Techniques
3. Freshwater Ecology and Monitoring
4. Coastal Management
5. Marine Reporting

At least three options from below (including the flexi option):
    Aquaculture 1 (System Design and Maintenance), Aquaculture 2
    (Production, Culture and Health),Marine Tourism,
    PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
     - Flexi option:
       Including: Local Launch Operator Licence or Inshore
       Launchmaster's Certificate, Biosecurity

 Qualifications Gained

YEAR 1 OVERVIEW

First year students study introductory marine biology which includes whales, fish and invertebrates, then combine this knowledge with advanced diving skills to practice field-based marine surveying.

Year 1 Courses

1. Marine Mammals, Birds and Fish

During this course students gain the knowledge and understanding of the biology, ecology and behaviour of marine mammals, birds and fish.

2. Invertebrates

This course provides students with an introductory knowledge of the biology, ecology and classification of marine invertebrates and an ability to identify them.

3. Marine Science and Ecology

Students gain the knowledge and understanding of general marine science, particularly aspects of marine ecology.

4. Fisheries Management

This course provides people with an introductory knowledge of the New Zealand fishing industry and the management of the resource. The Maori perspectives of fisheries both historical and customary is also examined.

5. Coastal Botany

Students gain an introductory knowledge of the biology and ecology of coastal New Zealand plants and an ability to identify them in the field.

6. Marine Surveying

This course enables students to gain the knowledge and skills to carry out a range of introductory survey and data collection methods.  The majority of this course is conducted around the Mercury Islands.

7. Conservation Issues and Perspectives

During this course students gain an understanding of a range of conservation issues as well as cultural and idealogical philosophies relevant to the marine environment, allowing them to identify their own personal perspective on conservation issues.

8. Practical Skills 1

Students gain a range of practical marine and safety skills;
    - PADI Open Water Diver
    - PADI Advanced Diver
    - PADI Rescue Diver
    - First Aid/Dan Oxygen

9. Practical Skills 2

Students gain a range of advanced practical marine skills;
    - Boatmasters Certificate
    - Restricted Radio Telephone Operator's Certificate
    - PADI Divemasters

YEAR TWO OVERVIEW

The second year of study sees the development of more specialist skills and knowledge to provide the tools to undertake targeted research on topics which inspire the individual student.

The second year focuses on:

  • Aquaculture development and initiatives
  • Marine and coastal resource planning and management
  • Freshwater, subtidal and intertidal monitoring and surveying
  • Marine Tourism
  • Utilising skills gained for marine recreation
  • Environmental legislation
  • Projects - your chosen area in which you wish to study further

Each year students conduct their research locally or in more exotic locations such as Vanuatu, Tonga and Australia.  Research topics are extremely varied and have included the identification and behaviour of humpback whales and great white sharks, surveys of coral reef fish and population studies of yellow-eyed penguins as well as marine stock assessment surveys both in New Zealand and in the Pacific Islands.

Year 2 Core Courses

1. Marine Ecology and Monitoring

Students gain the knowledge and understanding of the biology, ecology and behaviour of marine flora and fauna and the knowledge and skills to conduct and organise basic marine surveys.  This course includes ten days of subtidal research at either Tuhua (Mayor Island) or Whakahau (Slipper Island).

2. Sampling and Surveying Techniques

This course enables students to understand the design of questionnaires, sampling and experiments.  Survey techniques, emphasising computer-assisted presentation and analysis of data are also examined.

3. Freshwater Ecology and Monitoring

This course provides people with the knowledge and understanding of the freshwater environment and enables them to establish correct sampling techniques for freshwater systems and to determine future protocols for monitoring change.

4. Coastal Management

Students gain an understanding of key legislation, planning documents and organisations important in the management of New Zealand's marine resources and the options and methods available for resolving conflict regarding the use of these resources.

5. Marine Reporting

During this course students develop the skills and knowledge to initiate, plan, organise and produce a report on an approved topic and present the results to an appropriate audience

AT LEAST THREE options from below:
- Aquaculture 1 - System Design and Maintenance

This course provides students with the specific knowledge of a variety of aquaculture system designs and how to establish, monitor and maintain them.

- Aquaculture 2 - Production, Culture and Health

Students gain the specific knowledge of the processes involved in the production, growth and health of a number of aquaculture species.

- Marine Tourism

This course provides students with an overview of the marine tourism industry enabling them to analyse the tourism industry in New Zealand, assess the matching of current products to specific client groups and design a theme based itinerary for a special interest tourist group. To analyse and demonstrate outdoor risk management and leadership skills.

- PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor

This course enables you to teach diving to students.  The PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor rating is the most sought after and recognised diving instructor qualification worldwide.  This options utilses the purpose-built heated pool and adjoining classrooms which runs over six weeks in the middle of the year.

- Flexi option:

Wide-ranging choices available, including
- Local Launch Operator Licence or Inshore Launchmaster's Certificate
- Biosecurity

 

 

A pass in all 14 compulsory courses and 3 optional courses is required to be awarded the Diploma in Marine Studies.

Upon successful completion of the programme you will receive:

YEAR 1:

  • New Zealand Red Cross Comprehensive First Aid Certificate
  • Restricted Radio Telephone Operator's Certificate
  • New Zealand Coastguard Boatmaster's Certificate
  • PADI Open Water Diver Certificate
  • PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Certificate
  • PADI Rescue Diver Certificate
  • PADI Divemaster Certificate
  • Project Jonah Marine Mammal Medic's Certificate
  • DAN Oxygen Provider

YEAR 2:

 

  • Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Diploma in Marines Studies
  • In addition, you may also gain the following industry qualifications, dependent on the options you choose:
    • PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor's Certificate
    • Local Launch Operator or Inshore Launchmaster Certificate
    • Others depending on flexi option

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