Lincoln University will introduce three new programmes for 2026, each created to help meet growing industry demand for specialised graduates with practical experience.
The Bachelor of Landscape Management is designed to teach students how to manage our spaces with a long-term, strategic perspective. The University says it’s the first of its kind in Australasia.
Students will learn from a wide array of fields, such as landscape architecture, design, planning, ecology, horticulture, sociology, culture and project management. The course is also a good alternative to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, which is a year longer and has a focus on design as opposed to management.
Programme Coordinator, Jess Rae says students will be able to come into a new project and have the foundational knowledge to drive it where it needs to go.
“We’ve got some amazing spaces in New Zealand. Not just our parks and reserves, but our urban and rural areas are full of possibility. Here’s a chance to actually look at what it takes to run them and keep them for future generations,” she said.
There are two new Taught Master’s degrees, the Master of Artificial Intelligence for Land Use and the Master of Bioprotection.
The Master of Artificial Intelligence for Land Use will help students become AI specialists across all land-based industries, giving them the skills to lead as the technology and industry develops.
Programme Coordinator, Thilini Bhagya says AI has the ability to drastically improve how land management practices, from urban planning and water stewardship, to planting natives and climate change resilience, opening the door for new and innovative solutions.
“These days we’re collecting so much data that no one can process it manually. AI doesn’t just sort through data; it learns from it, adapts to new contexts, and can predict outcomes that would otherwise be impossible to see,” said Ms Bhagya.
“That helps us create smarter, evidence-based solutions.”
The Master of Bioprotection is a new programme based on the former Master of Pest Management. The University says it has been rebuilt based on industry and alumni feedback to ensure students are getting the best education and qualification possible.
The programme offers students the chance to specialise in their area of interest and do a semester-long research placement with external organisations across the country.
Programme Coordinator, Professor James Ross says the programme is a fast and effective way to upskill, learn from active researchers and get real industry experience.
“I’ve spoken to people in all the major organisations, there’s a demand for more people skilled in bioprotection.”
“What they want is an employee who can hit the ground running. Someone who can come in and write an impact assessment or develop a pest control plan. These students will be able to do that,” said Prof Ross.
Learn more about our new programmes at the links below:
