Regulations for The Master of Sustainable Development Goals - MSDG

Official rules and regulations for the Master of Sustainable Development Goals. These regulations are for the 2024 intake to this qualification.

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Go to Master of Sustainable Development Goals – MSDG

Qualification Regulations

Part I

These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Part II

Admission

1. Admission to the Master of Sustainable Development Goals requires that the candidate will:

(a) meet the University admission requirements as specified; and will have

(b) been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, having achieved a grade average of at least a B in the highest level courses.

Qualification requirements

2. Candidates for the Master of Sustainable Development Goals shall follow a parts-based programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 180 credits comprising:

(a) Part One and Part Two as defined by the Schedule to the Degree;

(b) at least 60 credits at 800 level;

and including:

(c) the core courses listed in Schedule A;

(d) completion of a subject as specified in Schedule B;

(e) attending field trips, contact workshops, studios, workshops, tutorials, and laboratories as required.

Specialisations

3. Candidates for the Degree of Master of Sustainable Development Goals may complete a subject by passing at least 120 credits in a subject including:

(a) an 800 level Practicum inquiry course of 60 credits;

(b) any compulsory courses identified in the subject schedule.

The requirements for each subject are set out in the Schedule for the Degree.

4. Subjects available in the Master of Sustainable Development Goals are: Business and Sustainability, Climate Action, Disaster Management, Economics for Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Global Development, and Peace and Security.

Student progression

5. For progression from Part One to Part Two, candidates must have achieved a Grade Average of at least a B over the Part One courses.

6. In cases of sufficient merit, the Degree of Master of Sustainable Development Goals may be awarded with Distinction or Merit in accordance with the provisions of the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Completion requirements

7. The timeframes for completion as outlined in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates will apply.

8. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes; candidates who do not meet the requirements for progression from Part One to Part Two, or who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, Postgraduate Diploma in Business, Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology, Postgraduate Certificate in Arts, Postgraduate Certificate in Business, or Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology should they meet the relevant Qualification requirements.

Unsatisfactory academic progress

9. The general Unsatisfactory Academic Progress regulations will apply.

Schedule for the Master of Sustainable Development Goals

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.
Key terms for course planning
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 219206, 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.

Schedule A: Part One Core courses (Choose 60 credits from)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 131704 Sustainable Development 30 credits

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). Conceptual lenses, including Indigenous understandings of sustainability and the sustainable livelihoods framework, are also discussed.

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Course code: 131709 Sustainable Development Goals in Practice 30 credits

This course provides advanced study in the practice of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on the application of the SDGs to real-world circumstances. Students will be exposed to diverse approaches, frameworks, and tools for measuring and integrating sustainability in policy making and practice.

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Schedule B: Subjects

Business and Sustainability (120 credits)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 152704 Business and Sustainability 30 credits

An analysis of the relationships between the business community, the natural environment, and social and environmental sustainability. The course examines global debates on social and environmental issues, introduces theories of sustainability, and considers the implications of sustainability for business policy and management.

Restrictions: 115783

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Course code: 152728 Corporate Citizenship and Responsibility 30 credits

An advanced critique of the concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR), business ethics, stakeholder management, and their implications for the management of business organisations.

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Course code: 152730 Advanced Contemporary Issues in Sustainability 30 credits

Students will critique the business case for sustainability and develop holistic sustainability strategies to address contemporary economic, ethical, environmental, and social concerns for business, including those relating to sustainable supply chain management, sustainable operations management, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and ethical trade.

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Part Two

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 131810 Sustainable Development Goals Practicum 60 credits

Advanced study in the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, involving 320 hours of professional work in an approved agency. As an integral part of the course, students will critically analyse how this work can be understood in relation to current literature on the SDGs and sustainable development.

Prerequisites: 131704, 131709

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Climate Action (120 credits)

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Course code: 131720 Climate Change and Sustainability 30 credits

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an advanced understanding of the climate change crisis based on the idea of critical hope, drawing from indigenous, natural, and social science theories, knowledges and frameworks. Students will critically engage and reflect on the ways in which the Sustainable Development Goals represent and attempt to mitigate Climate Change. In particular, this course explores the effects of climate change on Māori and Pacific peoples, and using real-world examples examines how indigenous knowledges, approaches and practices are shaping responses in these communities.

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Course code: 131721 Global and Local Responses to Climate Change 30 credits

The purpose of this course is to engage students in critical explorations of climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience. In particular, we will examine the complex relationship between global worldviews, state-led or professional practices and, on the other hand, local or Indigenous worldviews and community-based or alternative livelihood practices responding to climate change. Drawing from a critical hope perspective, students will determine effective policy and practice responses to climate change in specific contexts. The course also investigates global and local climate change funding mechanisms, with specific focus on Aotearoa and the Pacific.

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Course code: 178719 Climate Change Economics and Policy 30 credits

An analysis of the economics of climate change and evaluation of the mitigation options used by policy makers globally.

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Part Two

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 131810 Sustainable Development Goals Practicum 60 credits

Advanced study in the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, involving 320 hours of professional work in an approved agency. As an integral part of the course, students will critically analyse how this work can be understood in relation to current literature on the SDGs and sustainable development.

Prerequisites: 131704, 131709

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Disaster Management (120 credits)

Part One Subject courses

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 130701 Natural Hazards 30 credits

A study of natural hazards and their effects. Specific attention will be paid to earthquakes, windstorms, flooding, volcanicity, tsunamis and landslips and their impact on people and the environment. Hazards particularly relevant to New Zealand will be emphasised.

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Course code: 130702 Coping with Disasters 30 credits

Study of the human issues and problems involved in preparing for and coping with disasters. Attitudes towards disaster preparation are studied together with the nature of disasters and their effects on human beings. The organisation and control of human behaviour during disasters will be studied together with rehabilitation interventions, particularly for the alleviation of stress for those involved.

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Course code: 130705 Emergency Management 30 credits

An examination of the social, psychological, community and organisational aspects of disaster management in New Zealand. Emphasis is on the development and implementation of an all-hazards, comprehensive and integrated approach to emergency management. Selected readings and case studies will be used to facilitate the development of an effective response to social, psychological, community and organisational issues.

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Course code: 130706 Emergency Management in Practice 30 credits

This course studies the practical application of current emergency management theory. The emphasis is on examining a specific topic area, analysing current trends and discussing practices that will enhance reduction, readiness, response and recovery efforts in managing disasters and emergencies.

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Course code: 132751 Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities 30 credits

A study of natural hazards and the role of planning in building sustainable and disaster resilient communities. Develop and apply planning processes and tools to assess hazard vulnerability, reduce hazard risks, improve disaster readiness, develop effective response capabilities, and facilitate recovery.

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Part Two

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 131810 Sustainable Development Goals Practicum 60 credits

Advanced study in the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, involving 320 hours of professional work in an approved agency. As an integral part of the course, students will critically analyse how this work can be understood in relation to current literature on the SDGs and sustainable development.

Prerequisites: 131704, 131709

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Economics for Sustainability (120 credits)

Part One Subject courses

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 178719 Climate Change Economics and Policy 30 credits

An analysis of the economics of climate change and evaluation of the mitigation options used by policy makers globally.

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Course code: 178740 Global Food Markets and Trade 15 credits

An economic analysis of the global food markets with emphasis on international trade, agri-food policies, and on the industrial organisation of the contemporary food sector.

Restrictions: 178757

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Course code: 178742 Environmental Economic Issues 15 credits

Economic analysis of policy management issues in the use of natural resources, climate change, and the environment.

Restrictions: 178360

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Course code: 178755 Economic Growth, International and Development Economics 30 credits

A critical assessment of topics from economic growth, international economics and the nature and measurement of development. There is an emphasis on the empirical and policy implications of development strategies including the relationship between managing development, role of the State, international economy, globalisation, trade theory and policy, global crises, and macroeconomic policy.

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Part Two

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 131810 Sustainable Development Goals Practicum 60 credits

Advanced study in the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, involving 320 hours of professional work in an approved agency. As an integral part of the course, students will critically analyse how this work can be understood in relation to current literature on the SDGs and sustainable development.

Prerequisites: 131704, 131709

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Environmental Sustainability (120 credits)

Part One Subject courses

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 188707 Environmental Management Principles and Practice 15 credits

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.

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Course code: 188708 Land System Change 15 credits

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.

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Course code: 188751 Advanced Zero Waste for Sustainability 30 credits

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.

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Course code: 188765 Advanced Environmental Management II 15 credits

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.

Restrictions: 188763

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Course code: 235701 Māori Values and Resource Management 15 credits

In this applied course students will learn about Māori concepts and values associated with the management of natural resources. Students will gain an appreciation of the importance of indigenous values, and in particular Māori values and management approaches to sustainable resource management. Case studies will be undertaken to develop skills in the management of natural resources.

Restrictions: 188704

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Course code: 238700 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Footprinting Principles 15 credits

The concept of life cycle thinking and its application to support decision-making for product systems. The course will provide an overview of the principles and methodology for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) according to the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, and introduce related environmental footprinting approaches (carbon and water footprinting).

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Part Two

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 131810 Sustainable Development Goals Practicum 60 credits

Advanced study in the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, involving 320 hours of professional work in an approved agency. As an integral part of the course, students will critically analyse how this work can be understood in relation to current literature on the SDGs and sustainable development.

Prerequisites: 131704, 131709

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Global Development (120 credits)

Part One Subject courses

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 131702 Development Management 30 credits

An applied course dealing with the processes and methods for the planning, implementation and evaluation of development programmes and projects. The course focuses on the managerial aspects and on the analytical tools that link contemporary policy frameworks and operational practices.

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Course code: 131703 Gender and Development 30 credits

An examination of the interaction of gender difference, development planning and social change. Selected topics include empowerment and human rights, masculinities, the household, work, education, and health.

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Course code: 131706 Globalisation and Development 30 credits

An examination of three critical themes in globalisation and development: conflict (and post-conflict), migration, and tourism.

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Course code: 132735 Natural Resource Policy and Planning 30 credits

Natural resource planning principles and practice. Application of the concept of sustainable development to the management of biophysical resources and systems.

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Course code: 176718 Environmental Sociology 30 credits

An exploration of the interrelations between society and the environment, with an examination of major contemporary environmental issues from a sociological point of view. Among the major issues covered are consumerism, population growth, resource limits, development, political conflicts, environmental groups and environmental values.

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Course code: 200761 International Relations: Theory and Practice 30 credits

An exploration of the theory and practice of international relations.

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Part Two

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 131810 Sustainable Development Goals Practicum 60 credits

Advanced study in the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, involving 320 hours of professional work in an approved agency. As an integral part of the course, students will critically analyse how this work can be understood in relation to current literature on the SDGs and sustainable development.

Prerequisites: 131704, 131709

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Peace and Security (120 credits)

Part One Subject courses

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 200761 International Relations: Theory and Practice 30 credits

An exploration of the theory and practice of international relations.

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Course code: 294712 Economic and Environmental Security 30 credits

This course offers an in-depth exploration and critical examination of contemporary environmental and economic security issues using theoretical analyses of case studies to propose alternative options for negotiating and/or governing wide ranging complex security issues.

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Course code: 294715 Asia-Pacific Security Environment 30 credits

An advanced study of security theory and domestic and international factors affecting the Asia-Pacific security environment with emphasis given to strategic, national security and defence policy in the region

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Course code: 294716 Securing Mobility in an Uncertain World 30 credits

This course is an advanced study of the dynamics of mobility and security in a globalised world. Mobility is central to the movement of goods, people, bio-organisms and ideas around the globe. The course will equip students with methodological tools to deconstruct the dynamics of mobility and construct solutions.

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Course code: 294717 Human Security in Application 30 credits

This course examines critical analysis and application of human security in national and international contexts. This would allow the participants to understand and engage in a wide range of theoretical studies and practical projects on human security.

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Part Two

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 131810 Sustainable Development Goals Practicum 60 credits

Advanced study in the application of the Sustainable Development Goals, involving 320 hours of professional work in an approved agency. As an integral part of the course, students will critically analyse how this work can be understood in relation to current literature on the SDGs and sustainable development.

Prerequisites: 131704, 131709

View full course details

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