Lincoln University

What you'll study

The programme combines ecological science, design-informed management and policy to prepare students for complex park and open-space challenges. Core themes typically include park planning and governance, ecology and biodiversity in managed landscapes, asset and site maintenance, recreation and visitor management, community engagement, and research methods.

• Park planning and policy: strategic planning frameworks, legal and governance contexts, and the role of parks in urban resilience and wellbeing.
• Ecology and biodiversity: applied ecology for urban and protected-area settings, pest and weed management, restoration ecology and species management in park landscapes.
• Design and landscape management: site analysis, landscape character, horticultural practice, tree and vegetation management, and principles of sustainable landscape design.
• Asset and operations management: maintenance systems, lifecycle planning for infrastructure, health and safety, and budgeting for parks services.
• Recreation, visitors and community: managing visitor use, interpretation, programming for recreation and inclusion, and engagement with iwi, communities and stakeholders.
• Data, GIS and monitoring: spatial analysis, monitoring protocols for ecological and social outcomes, and performance indicators for park management.
• Research project or thesis: an independent research project or applied capstone project addressing a practical management question in parks, conservation or open-space provision.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification in fields such as landscape architecture, horticulture, ecology, environmental science, resource management, planning or recreation management. Candidates with substantial relevant work experience in parks, conservation or local government may be considered.

Typical admission materials include an academic transcript, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose outlining professional aims and a research or project proposal if applicable. International applicants must meet English language requirements set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue practitioner and leadership roles within local and regional councils, national park and conservation agencies, botanical gardens and cemeteries, private landscape and environmental consultancies, and non-government organisations. Common job titles include park manager, reserves and open-spaces coordinator, urban parks planner, biodiversity or restoration officer, arboriculture supervisor, visitor services or interpretation manager, and consultant in park planning and design. The degree also provides a pathway into further research or academic roles in landscape and conservation science.

Why study at Lincoln University

Lincoln University is known for its strengths in land-based and environmental education, offering a curriculum that integrates practical fieldwork with policy and science. The university’s relationships with regional councils, parks services and conservation agencies provide opportunities for applied projects, internships and industry engagement. Small cohort sizes and a campus emphasis on outdoor learning support hands-on skill development, while access to specialist research facilities and staff expertise in landscape management, ecology and planning helps students tackle real-world park management challenges.