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people · publications · collaborators · site map · contact · news · linksMasters Program FAQs
What qualifications do I need to gain entry into the Master Program?
Students entering the program will in general have an undergraduate degree in biological sciences or similar, eg. agricultural science, medicine or veterinary science. However, people with a strong academic record and/or appropriate professional experience will be eligible, such as environmental policy and planning specialists, lawyers, actuaries, economists, science writers/journalists or science historians.
Where do I apply?
International students need to apply both to UNSW and to VUW to be admitted into the two halves of the program.
Local students, ie students of Australia and New Zealand, are covered by an Exchange Agreement between the two universities which allows prospective students to submit one application only: New Zealand students apply to VUW, Australian students apply to UNSW. The two universities will automatically accept students who are admitted into the program at the sister institution.
All students need to enroll in individual teaching units on arrival at each university. International students also need to make sure they obtain student visas as soon as they receive offer letters from the two universities.
UNSW enrolment information and application forms are available here. UNSW has an online application system, Apply Online, which allows both international and local applicants to submit an application over the Internet. The application fee for an online application is AUD50.00.
VUW enrolment information and application forms are available here. No application fee applies for enrolment at Victoria University.
What are the application deadlines?
Application deadline for studies starting in mid-January (VUW): October 15
Application deadline for studies starting in late July (UNSW): May 30
The closing dates are the same for local and international students.
Will the MConBio qualification prepare me for entry into a future PhD?
It is advisable that you check with your intended place of PhD study as to whether the MConBio degree, which is a Masters by coursework. will allow you to enter a PhD program. In Australia and New Zealand, the usual entry into a PhD program involves undertaking either an Honours degree or a Masters by research. However, other factors may be taken into account, particularly academic performance and relevant professional experience.
We draw attention to the possibility that anyone with a first class degree from outside Australia or New Zealand may already be admissible to a PhD program in these two countries and that UNSW and VUW have PhD scholarships available for academically strong international students. Note that international PhD students will be eligible to enroll for domestic fees in New Zealand from 2006.
Please contact an academic staff member for further advice about prospective PhD studies.
I would like to undertake a research project: do I need to identify a research topic before I start?
Some of the units offered in the Master's program require the student to undertake an independent research project (eg Conservation Project at UNSW). Due to the intensity of the studies and the short timeframe available, students are strongly advised to have a topic identified and some background research done before the start of the semester. A few suggested project proposals will be made available for those who are unable to find a project on their own. International students in particular are expected to take advantage of this opportunity.
Is a background in conservation genetics required to be accepted as a student?
A background in genetics is not a requirement for entry into the MConBio program. However, basic knowledge of the subject would be an advantage. We recommend the textbook "Introduction to Conservation Genetics" (Frankham, Ballou, Briscoe 2001) as an introduction to the genetic principles and practice related to conservation.
Do we have to write a major thesis at the end of the program?
There is no major thesis at the end of the MConBio program. However, one of the UNSW courses (Conservation Project) entails the students to carry out an independent research project and produce a max 5000 word report or scientific paper at the end of the semester.
Would it be possible to take a break between the two halves of the masters program rather than moving straight from one country to the other?
Yes, this is possible. The requirement is that you finish the program within two years of first enrolling,
What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission to the masters program?
If your previous studies were undertaken in English, this may be acceptable, however this still may not guarantee entry without evidence of an IELTS or TOEFL test score.
The minimum requirements for entry at Victoria University of Wellington are: TOEFL 575 with (preferably) a TWE of 5; or 237 on the computer-based test; or IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no sub-score below 5.5; or CAE grade B / CPE grade C. More information can be found here.
The minimum requirements for entry at the University of New South Wales are: TOEFL 233 on the computer-based test with a minimum in Essay rating 5.0; or IELTS overall band of 6.5 with a minimum score of at least 6.0 in each of the sub-tests of listening, reading, speaking and writing. More information can be found here.
Content Last Modified: Friday, 14th December 2007.
