Program Overview

Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Practice

Overview

This unique programme is designed for individuals who are seeking an in-depth professional development opportunity that will enable them to become an agent for change in sustainable practice.

What will I study

• Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be a change-maker in sustainability.
• Explore sustainable practice through a focus on relationships between policy and practice, research, and multi-disciplinary project work.
• Develop and apply advanced understandings of the theories, driving forces and worldviews (including Te Ao Māori) that relate to sustainable practice within the context of your discipline-specific knowledge.

Pathway

• The programme facilitates collaboration and innovation and applies an interdisciplinary framework to address complex sustainability problems.
• Upon completion of the programme you will be able to: engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem solving; utilise research; and advocate for, and contribute to, more sustainable practices in a range of contexts.

Details

• Type: Postgraduate
• Code: CH4068
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: NULL
• Credits: 120
• Level: 8
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Available Part time: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: CH4068-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $7,630 - $8,540 per year
• International Fee: $28,600 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or Graduate Certificate or Diploma in relevant subject areas.

Alternative Requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
• English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
• You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic

• 6.0 Listening
• 6.0 Reading
• 6.0 Writing
• 6.0 Speaking

Funding assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for.
• These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study.
• We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Level 8
• Confronting Sustainability
• MSSP800
• 15 credits
• Change Agency and Sustainable Practice
• MSSP801
• 15 credits
• Discipline Specific Special Topic
• MSSP802
• 30 credits
• Policy and Sustainable Practice
• MSSP803
• 15 credits
• Research and Inquiry
• MSSP804
• 15 credits
• Multidisciplinary Sustainable Practice ...
• MSSP805
• 30 credits

Career opportunities

• Employment opportunities are continually evolving to respond to new, emerging and existing sustainability problems and solutions.
• Many current jobs require capability in sustainable practice.
• These include jobs in product design and production systems, hospitality and tourism, engineering and architecture, education, non-government organisations, primary industries and business.

Study pathways

• You can further your studies with the Master of Sustainable Practice (Level 9).

Credit Recognition

• If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.