Postgraduate Certificate in Planning - PGCertPlan
Program Overview
The Postgraduate Certificate in Planning (PGCertPlan) from Massey University is a flexible program designed for individuals seeking a career in planning or enhancing their skills. It provides a comprehensive foundation in planning principles, law, and practice, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The program offers a range of courses, including Māori planning, policy analysis, and urban development, and utilizes a combination of teaching methods to cater to various learning styles.
Program Outline
Postgraduate Certificate in Planning (PGCertPlan) - Massey University
Degree Overview:
Overview:
- The Postgraduate Certificate in Planning (PGCertPlan) is the first half of the Postgraduate Diploma in Planning.
- The PGCertPlan is a good fit for individuals interested in starting a career in planning, changing careers while still working, or developing critical planning skills and knowledge.
- The program is offered in a flexible format, allowing students to study in a block mode and through Massey's online learning platform. This enables completion of studies while continuing to work, reducing the financial burden of a career change.
- Upon completion of the PGCertPlan, students can potentially progress to further postgraduate studies, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Planning or the Master of Resource and Environmental Planning.
Objectives:
- Equip students with essential planning skills and knowledge for a successful career in the field.
- Provide students with a strong foundation for further postgraduate studies in planning.
- Enable students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for effective planning.
Outline:
Structure:
- The PGCertPlan comprises 60 credits, completed in one semester if studying full-time.
- The program consists of courses drawn from the Schedule, offering a total of 60 credits.
Courses and Specializations:
The PGCertPlan offers a diverse range of courses covering various aspects of planning. These courses include:
- Mana Taiao: Advanced Māori Planning (30 credits)
- Policy Analysis and Evaluation Techniques (30 credits)
- Planning Law (30 credits)
- Planning Theory (30 credits)
- Urban Planning and Development (30 credits)
- Natural Resource Policy and Planning (30 credits)
- Professional Practice (30 credits)
- Long-Term Community Planning (30 credits)
- Planning History: From Town Planning to Resource Management (30 credits)
- Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities (30 credits)
- GIS Principles and Applications (30 credits)
Assessment:
The PGCertPlan employs a combination of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and understanding. These methods include:
- Exams
- Assignments
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Group projects
- Reports
Teaching:
The PGCertPlan utilizes various teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and promote effective knowledge acquisition. These methods include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Online learning modules The program boasts experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in various planning fields. This ensures students receive up-to-date knowledge and practical insights from industry professionals.
Careers:
Graduates of the PGCertPlan can pursue diverse career paths in various sectors, including:
- Private consulting firms
- Regional councils
- Environmental and other non-governmental organizations
- City/district councils
- Central government (e.g., Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi)
- International humanitarian and aid organizations.
Other:
- The PGCertPlan offers a flexible study format, allowing students to balance work and study commitments.
- The program provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate studies in planning.
- Graduates are equipped with sought-after skills and knowledge, increasing their employability in the planning sector.
Entry Requirements:
New Zealand Domestic Students:
University Entrance Requirements:
- You must meet the university entrance requirements to be admitted to Massey University.
Specific Requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Planning:
- You must have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor's degree.
- You must provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
International Students:
A. English Language Requirements:
- If English is not your first language and your admission qualification was not completed at a university where English is the medium of instruction, you must achieve an IELTS of at least 7.0 with no band less than 6.0 within the preceding five years.
Specific Requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Planning:
- You must have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor's degree.
- You must provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities.
- You must meet the English language requirements specified above.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For international students whose first language is not English, they must demonstrate proficiency in English by achieving an IELTS score of at least 7.0 with no band less than 6.0 within the preceding five years.
- There are maximum time limits to complete this qualification. If you do not complete it within the maximum time, you may need to re-apply.
- For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take.
