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Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis).
Ecology is the study of how plants, animals and other organisims interact with each other and with their environment. We learn about species, populations, and communities in a wide range of habitats from alpine to marine, and from semi-arid grasslands to cloud- and rainforests.
Ecology is a multidisciplinary subject which links departments across the University: Botany, Geography, Geology, Information Science, Marine Science, Maths, Philosophy, Statistics, Surveying, and Zoology.
The Ecology Degree Programme at Otago is organised to allow you to build pathways as you discover your interests – for example, animal and plant ecophysiology, freshwater ecology, marine ecology, plant ecology, molecular and evolutionary ecology, as well as paleoecology, plant–animal interactions and information systems.
Why study Ecology?
Global citizens need to understand our planet's ecology. Ecological information can help us improve our environment, manage our natural resources, protect our biodiversity, and enhance human health.
There are few places equal to Otago when it comes to studying Ecology – the marine inlets, mountains, national parks (Fiordland, Mt Aspiring), and World Heritage Sites (Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand), on our doorstep provide unique and diverse outdoor laboratories in which to work.
Ecology provides broad and transferable training through a range of subjects relating to plants, animals, and the environment. Hands-on and research-based learning means that our graduates are well-placed to take advantage of the wide variety of job opportunities that exist both here and overseas, and that they are up-to-date with global ecological trends and developments.
Our degree programme allows you to maintain a high level of flexibility which allows your interests to evolve. This means you can keep your career options open because you are not required to specialise too early.
Ecological researchers are really active at Otago, so our students are taught be experienced people at the front lines of research in Ecology, evolution, conservation and biodiversity, as well as by researchers from overseas – so come and learn from the best!
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Ecology as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSci)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-semester) or part-time (full-year) study
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
ECOL papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECOL111 | 2026 | Ecology and Conservation | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECOL211 | 2026 | Community Ecology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ECOL212 | 2026 | Ecology in the Real World | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECOL313 | 2026 | Field Ecology | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (26 January 2026 - 5 June 2026) |
| ECOL314 | 2026 | Pacific Field Ecology | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (23 January 2026 - 2 June 2026) |
| ECOL321 | 2026 | Ecology of Species Introductions and Invasions | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ECOL411 | 2026 | The Ecologist's Toolbox | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ECOL450 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ECOL480 | 2026 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 16 June 2027) |
| ECOL490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 16 June 2027) |
| ECOL495 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 16 June 2027) |
Contacts
Ecology Programme
Web otago.ac.nz/ecology/
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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