Lincoln University

What you'll study

The programme integrates ecology, hydrology, soil science, engineering concepts and resource management to deliver applied solutions for landscapes, waterways and production systems. Study is a mixture of advanced taught papers and a substantial research project or design dissertation that applies theory to real-world problems.

• Core topics: ecosystem structure and function, landscape ecology, catchment hydrology, soil and sediment dynamics, and ecological restoration principles.
• Applied engineering: ecological engineering design, green infrastructure, stormwater and drainage systems, low-impact design, and nature-based solutions for flood and erosion control.
• Analytical skills: GIS and spatial analysis, remote sensing, environmental modelling, water quality and biogeochemical monitoring methods, and statistical data analysis.
• Management and policy: resource management frameworks, environmental economics, indigenous and community engagement in resource planning, and regulatory and consenting processes relevant to natural resource projects.
• Research project: a major independent research thesis or applied design project conducted under supervision, often in collaboration with industry, councils, iwi/hapū or community groups.

Seminars, fieldwork and laboratory sessions are core components, with opportunities to work on catchment-scale case studies, restoration sites, farm systems and engineered green infrastructure. Students can tailor their study pathway by selecting elective papers aligned with river restoration, wetland design, sustainable agriculture, or climate adaptation.

Entry requirements

• A bachelor's degree with a good honours classification or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as ecology, environmental science, civil or environmental engineering, agriculture, soil science or geography.
• Applicants with a combination of undergraduate qualifications and substantial relevant professional experience in resource management, engineering or environmental consultancy may be considered.
• Demonstrated quantitative skills and competence with field and laboratory methods are expected; some applicants may be asked to provide a portfolio of prior work or a research proposal if applying for the research pathway.
• International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements and provide certified academic transcripts; visa and residency requirements apply.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require interdisciplinary technical and managerial capability in natural resource and environmental systems. Typical career paths include:

• Environmental and ecological consultant roles in private practice delivering restoration, mitigation and consenting support.
• Positions with regional and national government agencies in catchment management, water resources, policy development and compliance monitoring.
• Design and project roles in engineering firms focused on nature-based solutions, stormwater and erosion control, and infrastructure resilience.
• Research and academic careers, or roles with research institutes and NGOs working on biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and sustainable land-use.
• On-farm and industry advisory positions integrating ecological engineering with productive land management and sustainability certification.

Why study at Lincoln University

Lincoln University has a long-established focus on land-based sciences and applied environmental research, providing strong links with regional councils, industry partners and primary-sector stakeholders. The campus’s location offers ready access to diverse field sites — farms, catchments, wetlands and urban infrastructure — for practical learning and research.

Students benefit from small-class teaching, supervisors with applied research expertise, and opportunities to undertake industry-linked projects that enhance employability. The programme’s interdisciplinary approach equips graduates to design and implement resilient, evidence-based solutions to contemporary challenges in natural resource management and ecological engineering.