Where you can study
International students
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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.
Planning Studies courses
Compulsory course
Course code: 132221 Planning Studies credits 15
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.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 132101 Introduction to Professional Planning credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132111 Oranga Taiao, Oranga Tangata: Planning and the Environment credits 15
A critical, Māori-centred introduction to environmental planning that emphasises protecting the environment for future generations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132112 Planning for Sustainable Development credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132217 Planning Hazard-Resilient Communities credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132304 Tūhono Taiao: Foundation of Māori Planning credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132305 Natural Resource Policy and Planning credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132314 Transport and Urban Planning credits 15
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).
View full course detailsCourse code: 150201 Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society credits 15
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.
View full course detailsEntry 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.
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
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.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees 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
Planning Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Contribute to the design of better communities and sustainable use of resources with Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Planning Studies).
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Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz