Program Overview

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Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management – PGDipEnvMgmt

The Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of how the natural environment functions and the skills to address today's environmental challenges. This qualification reflects the growing need to protect the environment and to use the resources of land, water, soil, plants, and animals in a balanced and sustainable way.

Type of Qualification

• Postgraduate diploma

Level of Study

• Postgraduate study
• NZQF level 8

Time to Complete

• 1 year full-time (120 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Distance and online
• Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

International Students

• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management – PGDipEnvMgmt

The Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management is for those who have an undergraduate qualification and want to extend their knowledge to environmental management issues. You will gain an in-depth understanding of how the natural environment functions and of what can be done to address today's environmental challenges. You will also learn how societal values, needs, and attitudes are reconciled with the need to maintain the integrity of ecological systems.

What Will I Study?

You will study the following topics:

• An evaluation of current environmental issues
• Holistic and transdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem-solving
• Environmental assessment techniques
• Environmental economics
• Environmental policy
• Environmental anthropology
• Participation in environmental management
• Research skills and undertaking literature reviews
• Project evaluation

There are opportunities to gain advanced knowledge in current land and water-based environmental management. You could also focus on policy or economic elements. You will increase your knowledge of important tools and techniques like GIS, Remote Sensing, and Life Cycle Assessment.

Internationally Relevant

Our staff are world-class academics. They are publishing internationally, with strong connections to relevant organisations across areas associated with environmental management. Massey is ranked in the top 350 of universities in the world for environmental sciences.

We have a large number of international students, attracted by the increasing global relevance of environmental management. This brings a unique dimension to your study.

Approachable Lecturers

Massey lecturers are very approachable. We are focused on your success and open to helping you plan your career or research.

Further Study

Upon successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management, you may be able to go on to study the Master of Environmental Management.

A PGDipEnvMgmt is a Good Fit if You:

• Want to be trained to provide objective data and interpretation to support environmental management decision-making
• Would like to develop the skills to make a career out of your passion for the environment
• Would like to advance your career to the next level

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific Requirements

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management, you will have been awarded or qualified for a relevant Bachelor's degree, or equivalent.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

English Language Requirements

To study this qualification, you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions:

• Review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• Contact us through the provided channels if you have any questions

English Language Skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum Time Limits for Completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official Regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate, read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University, including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning Students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called 'Transitional Provisions' in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases, the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications, go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the provided channels if you have any questions.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management

If you study full-time, you'll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management is awarded without specialisation.

Courses and Specialisations

Key Terms

• Courses: Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 123456, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit Summary

• 120 credits
  • Compulsory courses – 30 credits
  • Courses selected from the Schedule – At least 60 credits
  • Electives from the Schedule – Up to 30 credits

Course Planning Key

• Prerequisites: Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
• Corequisites: Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
• Restrictions: Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Core Courses

30 credits from

• Code: Advanced Environmental Management I Credits: 15 credits Description: The course is made up of three parts. It develops project and programme management skills, strengthens students' knowledge of natural resources at an advanced level, and combines these two to produce integrative skills in Environmental Management.
• Code: Advanced Environmental Management II Credits: 15 credits Description: This course examines current environmental issues and explores alternative approaches to environmental management. A case study approach is used to develop critical thinking skills, and an in-depth understanding of complex human-environment interactions and possible solutions to environmental problems.

At least 60 credits from

• Code: Environmental Sociology Credits: 30 credits Description: An exploration of the interrelations between society and the environment, with an examination of major contemporary environmental issues from a sociological point of view.
• Code: Environmental Economic Issues Credits: 15 credits Description: Economic analysis of policy management issues in the use of natural resources, climate change, and the environment.
• Code: Environmental Management Principles and Practice Credits: 15 credits Description: This course uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine contemporary environmental issues. Key environmental management principles and practices are introduced and explored through a series of applied case studies.
• Code: Land System Change Credits: 15 credits Description: The consequences of the processes and activities that pertain to human use of the land are considered. The patterns and distribution of land use and land cover types and the methods for measuring, recording, and managing information about land use and land cover and how it changes over time are evaluated, and the implications of land system change are investigated.
• Code: Advanced Zero Waste for Sustainability Credits: 30 credits Description: An in-depth exploration of the life cycle and environmental issues of solid material resources upon which all economic production depends. Zero Waste is examined as a resource management paradigm shift in philosophy, policy, technology, and practices focused on sustainable development.
• Code: Sustainable Land and Water Management Credits: 15 credits Description: Advanced theoretical and practical experience in the application of soil, water, and GHG emission sciences to the sustainable management of New Zealand's land, water, and air resources.
• Code: Conservation Biology Credits: 30 credits Description: A study of the multidisciplinary aspects of conservation biology under three key themes: importance of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity, and conservation actions.
• Code: Environmental Geographic Information Systems Credits: 15 credits Description: The application of geospatial analytical techniques within the environmental sciences is required as a key decision support tool in land management.
• Code: Māori Values and Resource Management Credits: 15 credits Description: In this applied course, students will learn about Māori concepts and values associated with the management of natural resources.
• Code: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Footprinting Principles Credits: 15 credits Description: The concept of life cycle thinking and its application to support decision-making for product systems.

Elective Courses (Choose no more than 30 credits from)

• Code: Nutrient Management in Grazed Pasture Systems Credits: 30 credits Description: An advanced, integrated study of the environmental and management factors influencing the cycling of nutrients in grazed pasture production systems.
• Code: Topics in Agricultural Extension and Consultancy Credits: 15 credits Description: This course focuses on extension and consultancy theory and its application in commercial farming and horticulture.
• Code: Advanced Farm and Horticultural Management Credits: 15 credits Description: Studies related to the principles of farm and/or horticultural management using case studies of farm and/or horticultural businesses.
• Code: Emergency Management Credits: 30 credits Description: An examination of the social, psychological, community, and organisational aspects of disaster management in New Zealand.
• Code: Sustainable Development Credits: 30 credits Description: A course concerned with the concept of sustainable development in all its dimensions (economic, social, and environmental), focused on the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs).
• Code: Reframing Human-Nature Relationships in Environmental Planning Credits: 30 credits Description: Natural resource planning principles and practice. Application of the concept of sustainable development to the management of biophysical resources and systems.
• Code: Consumption and Place Credits: 30 credits Description: This course explores consumption processes, practices, and places.
• Code: GIS Principles and Applications Credits: 30 credits Description: A conceptual and operational understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Code: GIS Programming and Practice Credits: 30 credits Description: This course focuses on principles and practices of programming within the GIS context.
• Code: Business and Sustainability Credits: 30 credits Description: An analysis of the relationships between the business community, the natural environment, and social and environmental sustainability.
• Code: Advanced Contemporary Issues in Sustainability Credits: 30 credits Description: Students will critique the business case for sustainability and develop holistic sustainability strategies to address contemporary economic, ethical, environmental, and social concerns for business.
• Code: Project Management Credits: 30 credits Description: A comprehensive study of the theory and methods employed in project management.
• Code: Location Systems: Spatial Databases, Tools, and Applications Credits: 15 credits Description: This course will develop knowledge and skills in the use of geographic information science in an interdisciplinary context.
• Code: Location Data: Mapping, Analysis, and Visualisation Credits: 15 credits Description: This course will develop knowledge and skills in the processing, analysis, and visualisation of data that has a location on the earth.
• Code: Psychology and Culture Credits: 15 credits Description: This course examines the wide-ranging influence culture has in people's lives, from their ideological beliefs and values to their behaviour patterns.
• Code: Sustainable Livelihood Credits: 15 credits Description: According to the UN, Sustainable Livelihoods include not only access to shelter and food but also security, dignity, societal participation for groups and individuals.
• Code: Climate Change Economics and Policy Credits: 30 credits Description: An analysis of the economics of climate change and evaluation of the mitigation options used by policy makers globally.
• Code: Advanced Studies in Soil Science Credits: 15 credits Description: A selection of modules from professional development courses: intermediate and advanced sustainable nutrient management; intermediate and advanced farm environment planning.
• Code: Ecology Credits: 30 credits Description: This course explores contemporary issues in ecology, emphasising a functional outlook on the role of species in communities.
• Code: Energy-Efficient Building Design Credits: 15 credits Description: This course examines approaches to reducing energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings resulting from the design and use of the building and its energy services.
• Code: Wildlife Management Credits: 30 credits Description: A problem-based course involving fieldwork, data analysis, and report writing.
• Code: Environmental Remote Sensing Credits: 15 credits Description: Remote sensing is the process of detecting and monitoring the Earth by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation, usually from satellites or aircraft.
• Code: Advanced Geoscience Techniques Credits: 15 credits Description: Studies utilising modern Geoscience techniques require the collection and analysis of complex data and datasets.
• Code: Environmental and Geological Hazards Credits: 15 credits Description: One of the biggest issues facing the developed and developing world is exposure to environmental and natural hazards.

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $11,645
• International students: $51,180

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Course Fees

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

• Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship

Find more scholarships and awards

Fees Disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any.

Careers and Job Opportunities

Postgraduate learning is a satisfying and challenging process. Environmental Management is an exciting and rewarding area of study.

Sought-After by Employers

Being exposed to diverse disciplines and associated fieldwork is both challenging and rewarding. It is these skills and the applied nature of your learning that are highly-valuable to potential employers. Many of our students are employed before they graduate.

Demand for people with environmental management skills is growing in New Zealand and overseas. Organisations outside of those directly related to environmental issues are increasingly recognising the need to have expertise in this area in every industry.

Your lecturers maintain excellent relationships with key organisations, and these relationships give our students networking opportunities for future careers.

Nearly 30% of our graduates are employed in research, universities, or district or city councils. Many are also in private consultancies and businesses.

Earn More

A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, "The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates," found that in New Zealand earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.

What Our Students Say

"I decided to study at Massey University because I wanted my future to be open to working in a variety of fields, and this programme has helped me develop the skills to achieve that."

Alexandra Egan

Massey master's student

Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management

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