Program Overview

Master of Environmental Planning

The Master of Environmental Planning (MEP) is a postgraduate degree designed for students aiming for a professional career (taught Masters) or as a pathway to doctoral studies (research Masters).

Points and Duration

• The total number of points to gain this qualification and how long this is expected to take full-time:
  • 180 points, 1- 1.5 years
  • 120 points, 1 year

Locations

• The study locations where the qualification is offered:
  • Hamilton
  • Tauranga

Area of Study

• This shows which Faculty or School you can study this qualification under:
  • School of Arts

Start Dates

• Which trimester this qualification can be started in:
  • Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why Study the Master of Environmental Planning?

During your Master of Environmental Planning (MEP), you'll develop your knowledge and skills relating to both the theory and practical applications of planning.

Collaboration with Planning Professionals

• The Environmental Planning programme has enjoyed longstanding and active links with professionals.
• The teaching staff are connected with relevant networks such as the New Zealand Planning Institute, City and Regional Councils, central government agencies, and private consultants.

Career Opportunities

• Our graduates work across a wide range of public and private organisations, including:
  • Resource management and development consultancies - Aotearoa and abroad
  • Local councils and national government agencies
  • Iwi and hapū organisations
  • Environmental or heritage conservation groups
  • Urban strategy and design consultancies
  • Transport planning organisations
  • Housing authorities

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

• Available planners:
  • MEP - Conversion (taught 180 points)
  • MEP - Advanced (taught 180 points)
  • MEP - Advanced (taught 120 points)

Entry Requirements

• Admission requires a Bachelors level qualification or equivalent.
• Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees:
  • $8,569 - $10,266 per 120 points per year
• Scholarships:
  • Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Graduate Outcomes

• Graduates of the MEP degree will have advanced academic knowledge of:
  • The philosophy, theory and methods of planning, traditional and contemporary debates in planning
  • The physical and social processes which constitute the natural and built environment
  • Managing the natural and built environment through methods for environmental evaluation, impact assessment, and development consent processing systems
  • The theoretical dimensions of planning practice through and application of theoretical and methodological principles to policy and plan preparation
  • Institutional contexts for planning practice including an understanding of government and policy formulation
  • Recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi and its implications for planning practice
  • Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods
  • Knowledge of consultative techniques, including mediation and negotiation
  • Knowledge of resource consent processing and assessment
  • One or more specialist fields of knowledge

List A: Advanced Study

• ENVPL500 Advanced Environmental Assessment and Planning
• ENVPL501 Planning in Aotearoa New Zealand
• ENVPL505 Māori Environmental Management
• ENVPL509 Urban Spatial Analysis
• ENVPL510 Planning Theory
• ENVPL512 Advanced Contemporary Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Environmental Planning
• ENVPL590 Directed Study
• LEGAL535 Advanced Environmental Law

List B: Environmental Planning

• ENVPL502 Environmental Planning: Practicum
• ENVPL504 Plan Making
• ENVPL508 Plans and Consents
• ENVPL513 Planning for a Changing Environment
• ENVPL514 Planning and Resource Management in Aotearoa New Zealand

Elective List

• GEOGY520 Human Dimensions of Environmental Change
• MAORI502 Sustainable Resource Issues
• POLSC537 Environmental Politics and Public Policy

Graduate Study Options

• PhD:
  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • 3 years
  • Hamilton, Tauranga

Scholarships and Prizes

• Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.