Planning Studies – Diploma in Arts

With Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Planning Studies) you can contribute to the design of better communities and sustainable use of resources.

Where you can study

Distance and online

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Note: Not all courses are available in any one year.

Specialise in Planning Studies for your Diploma in Arts at Massey

A Diploma in Arts (Planning Studies) will help you make sense of the changing world. You’ll be able to participate in design solutions that are innovative, feasible, democratic and sustainable.

Shape the way we live, work and play

Planning studies is focused on improving the quality of life in our neighbourhoods, communities and society. Planners design for the future by improving human prospects in the face of rapid economic, environmental, political and technological changes. With this diploma, you’ll be introduced to situations common to planners. You’ll learn how to reconcile conflicting interests by finding common ground, create innovative options and implement solutions.

Develop important career skills

Massey’s Diploma in Arts in planning studies has a strong focus on creating sustainable and resilient communities. You’ll learn about both urban and natural resource planning. You’ll also develop interpersonal, communication, ethical and conflict-resolution skills. These are essential for working in teams and interacting with people from diverse cultures, communities and backgrounds.

Learn from the experts

Our lecturers have extensive knowledge of planning in local and central government as well as in the private sector. They also teach Massey’s Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning, which has maintained accreditation with the New Zealand Planning Institute for more than 35 years.

Planning information

If you study full-time you’ll take eight 15-credit courses (120 credits) in one year, or 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school.

If you later proceed to the Bachelor of Arts degree, all of the courses in your Diploma of Arts can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts.

132221 Planning Studies is not offered in 2024. An approved alternative course is 132212 Professional Practice I. You can add this course using the Special permission request in your portal.

If you have questions, contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

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 Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate 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 be 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 Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Courses you can enrol in

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 for the Diploma in Arts

As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.

Diploma in Arts core courses

Planning Studies courses

Compulsory course

Course code: 132221 Planning Studies 15 credits

An introduction for non-planners to planning and practice in the New Zealand urban, rural and natural resource environment, including an introduction to the principles of the Resource Management Act 1991 and its administration.

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Subject courses

Choose no more than 15 credits from
Course code: 132101 Introduction to Professional Planning 15 credits

This course is an introduction to professional planning, and provides a foundation to the development of a contemporary professional identity. It introduces students to the key ideas and individuals involved in the evolution of the rationale and origins of planning. The course is taught through reference to planning as conceived and practiced in New Zealand and internationally.

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Course code: 132111 Oranga Taiao, Oranga Tangata: Planning and the Environment 15 credits

A critical, Māori-centred introduction to environmental planning that emphasises protecting the environment for future generations.

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Course code: 132112 Planning for Sustainable Development 15 credits

The multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary nature of planning is explored with reference to the challenge of sustainable development and the application of planning principles to real-world issues.

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Choose at least 30 credits from
Course code: 132217 Planning Hazard-Resilient Communities 15 credits

An introduction to the role of planning in building sustainable and disaster resilient communities through the use of various processes and tools to assess hazard vulnerability, reduce hazard risks, improve disaster readiness, develop effective response capabilities and facilitate recovery.

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Course code: 132304 Tūhono Taiao: Foundation of Māori Planning 15 credits

This course introduces students to the Māori Planning world. Students will learn and apply Māori concepts, processes and practices, and critically explore the relationship between Māori and (post)colonial Planning to equip themselves to work effectively with Māori communities on Planning issues.

Prerequisites: 150201

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Course code: 132305 Natural Resource Policy and Planning 15 credits

An interdisciplinary approach to the cultural, philosophical, legal, institutional and practical issues involved in the strategic planning and management of New Zealand's natural heritage, including analysis of appropriate New Zealand and international case-studies.

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Course code: 132314 Transport and Urban Planning 15 credits

People-centred approaches to transport and urban planning. A critical analysis of the determinants of urban planning and transport policies and procedures at national, regional and local levels in the context of sustainable urban development for hapori (communities).

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Course code: 150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society 15 credits

A study of the Treaty of Waitangi background, texts, principles, and application to contemporary New Zealand. There is a particular focus on land, legislation, court decisions, social policies, the environment, constitutional matters, claims to the Waitangi Tribunal and Treaty settlements. Differing perspectives of hapū/iwi/Māori and the Crown, as well as opportunities for resolution, are explored.

Restrictions: 269274

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Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.

English language requirements

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

If you have already completed a bachelor degree

If you have already completed a bachelor degree you may replace 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry or 230112 Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking with courses of your choice. You will need to apply for replacement courses via a Special permission request in your portal and you will need to attach evidence of your completed degree with the request.

English language skills

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

Can't meet the entry requirements?

If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

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. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our 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. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

With a Diploma in Arts (Planning Studies) you could have a career with:

  • private consulting firms
  • regional councils
  • environmental and other non-governmental organisations
  • city/district councils
  • central government (e.g. Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency).

You could also continue your study and pursue an accredited planning qualification, such as the Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning.

Related study options