This qualification is for school leavers, those working in the aquaculture industry and those wanting to enter the aquaculture industry who wish to gain an aquaculture specific vocational science degree. It will provide a systematic and coherent introduction to aquaculture and its relationship with the marine environment. It will support the achievement of sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector.
Graduates will have the specialised knowledge and practical skills along with the ability to adapt and apply them in a professional aquaculture context enabling them to work as research and development technicians or in technical and supervisory roles on a pathway to management in the aquaculture industry.
Students will be equipped with the personal attributes, specialised knowledge and professional technical skills required to make an immediate and valuable contribution to the aquaculture industry of New Zealand or internationally.

Graduates will be equipped with the personal attributes, specialised knowledge, professional technical skills and industry experience required to make an immediate and valuable contribution to the aquaculture industry of New Zealand or internationally.
They will have specialist aquaculture production and aquatic ecology and conservation knowledge, practical skills and the ability to adapt and apply them in a professional aquaculture context enabling them to work in research and development, technical and supervisory roles on a pathway to management in the aquaculture industry.
Graduates will understand and be able to apply the scientific principles of sustainable aquaculture and environmental conservation. They will be familiar with the principles of habitat and aquatic ecology and conservation, have an understanding of aquaculture production systems, how they impact on the environment and the role of relevant regulatory and advisory bodies. They will be familiar with current business theory and practices.
Graduates will have demonstrated the ability to conduct applied research utilising recognised industry methodologies, rigorous data analysis and effective problem solving techniques.

Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to progress to Postgraduate study

Academic Requirements:

Applicants under 20 years old require:
Achievement of NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 or higher and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher) including:
- A minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of three subjects from the list of approved subjects
- A minimum of 10 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori made up of:
5 credits in reading 5 credits in writing
AND
A minimum of s10 credits at Level 1 or above in Numeracy, made up of:
achievement standards - specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards
(26623, 26626, 26627- all three required)
for the list of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 standards that contribute to University Entrance requirements, please visit the NZQA website www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea
OR
- Any qualification (New Zealand or overseas) recognised by NZQA as being equivalent to achievement of NCEA Level 3
- A qualification considered to be equivalent to the above
Applicants Over 20:
For applicants 20 years or over there are no minimum academic requirements. However, applicants will need to provide their curriculum vitae detailing any relevant work experience and academic achievements. The Manager Maritime will use this information to assess whether the applicant is likely to successfully complete the Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation programme.

English Language Requirements;
All applicants must have a standard of English sufficient to be able to study at this level. Those students whose first language is not English must have:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each band), issued within the last two years
OR
The equivalent