- Where you can study
-
Distance and online
-
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand
- Note:
- Note: Not all courses are available in any given year
Specialise in Environmental Studies for your Bachelor of Arts at Massey
See the big environmental picture
When you take environmental studies at Massey, you will explore the dynamic relationship between human society and our environment. It’s a relationship that is always changing. You will learn to think critically and understand the big picture, rather than seeing environmental questions simply as problems that can be solved easily with a technological fix.
Tailor a degree that’s just for you
With a Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Studies), you can choose to explore almost anything to do with the environment, from a scientific, social, cultural or economic point of view. You can also bring together courses from a range of disciplines to create a degree just for you.
A Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies is a good fit if you:
- have an interest in environmental issues
- are concerned about the sustainability of our way of living
- want a degree that fits your environmental interests.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full time, in the first year you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over 2 semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school if you wish. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
You need to pass 5 courses at 300-level for your BA. One of these (230310) is in the compulsory core and 3 are required for your major. If you are not taking a double major or a minor, you will need to take one 300-level elective course to meet this requirement.
About this major
An Environmental Studies major consists of 120 credits (8 courses).
Minors
Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major.
A Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Studies) with a minor
You may choose a minor from the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Science. If the minor is from another degree the regulations of that qualification will apply.
An environmental studies minor (for students who are studying a different degree)
If you are not studying towards a BA (Environmental Studies) and wish to complete a minor in environmental studies see the BA regulations for requirements.
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
Courses you can enrol in
Core courses for the Bachelor of Arts
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Environmental Studies courses
Compulsory courses
Course code: 145111 Society, Environment and Place 15 credits
An introduction to the diversity of human geography focusing on themes such as state and economy; geography of consumption; identity and exclusion; agrifood; migration; geographies of the lifecourse.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145213 Resource Conservation and Sustainability 15 credits
Various distinctly geographical approaches to resource conservation are discussed. Topics include: environmental change, human impact, renewable and non-renewable resource conservation, and the role of the state.
View full course detailsCourse code: 176308 Society, Climate Change and the Environment 15 credits
This course examines the interconnections between society and the environment from a social sciences perspective, emphasising the roles of science and politics in the creation of environmental knowledge and practice. We examine the causes and consequences of environmental problems, including climate change. We also consider possibilities for transformative change through activism, Te Ao Māori and other Indigenous perspectives, markets, government, and community-led initiatives.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 121101 Climate and the Environment 15 credits
This course delves into urgent issues like climate change and other major environmental challenges that affect natural and built ecosystems today and into the future. This course highlights the interconnected dynamics of social, technological, political, economic, and environmental change. Focusing on critical areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, the sustainability of production and consumption systems, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, soil contamination, water scarcity and pollution it helps students understand the causes and consequences of these problems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132111 Oranga Taiao, Oranga Tangata: Introduction to Environmental Planning 15 credits
A critical, Māori-centred introduction to environmental planning that emphasises protecting the environment for future generations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 246100 Climate Science Consciousness 15 credits
An introduction to the scientific history and evidence for climate change. Evidence of anthropogenic influence on the climate will be explored by examining data gathered across all fields of science and across a range of environments including terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric. Students will develop strategies to understand, interpret and communicate scientific information in the context of climate change.
View full course detailsAt least 30 credits from
Course code: 131321 Strategies for Sustainable Development 15 credits
A consideration of concepts, processes, practices, and possible strategies for sustainable development at global, national and community levels. Special attention is paid to examples of strategies that seek more sustainable livelihoods.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132305 Reframing Human-Nature Relationships in Environmental Planning 15 credits
A Te Tiriti-led transdisciplinary approach to the cultural, philosophical, institutional, and practical issues involved in understanding human-nature relationships and managing natural resources in Aotearoa-New Zealand including analysis of appropriate local and international case studies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178360 Sustainability, Environmental and Climate Change Economics 15 credits
A survey of environmental and climate change issues and the application of economic analysis to these issues and policies to achieve sustainable outcomes.
View full course detailsElective subject courses
Course code: 132112 Planning in the Anthropocene: Imagining Sustainable Futures in Times of Uncertainty and Change 15 credits
A holistic and critical introduction to the concept of "the Anthropocene", its key narratives, and the role of planning in shaping hopeful, decolonised, and sustainable futures in times of uncertainty and rapid change.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132217 Planning Hazard and Climate-Resilient Communities 15 credits
An introduction to the role of planning in building sustainable and hazard- and climate-resilient communities that have flourishing futures in the face of disruptive change.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145202 Working With Geographic Data 15 credits
An exploration of techniques for the collection, interpretation, analysis and representation of social and environmental geographic data using geographic information systems (GIS).
View full course detailsCourse code: 145216 Cities in Transition: People, Place and Environment 15 credits
An examination of aspects of the social, economic and political geographies of urban life, drawing upon various approaches in Human Geography.
View full course detailsCourse code: 146102 Endangered Cultures 15 credits
An introduction to the impacts of colonisation and capitalism on Indigenous peoples, and their enduring resistance to oppressive systems of power.
View full course detailsCourse 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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 294201 States, Borders and Resource Security 15 credits
This course examines the dynamics of states seeking to secure resources for their own requirements, alongside the need to sustain and protect global resources such as oceans and the poles.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
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 the Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Studies), 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 and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $8,420
- International students: $42,300
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Our society is becoming more environmentally aware and career opportunities in this area are growing. Many local, regional and national government agencies are employing people to focus specifically on aspects of the environment and how it can be preserved, including:
- allocation of water resources
- ecological restoration
- endangered species management
- waste and toxic substances management
- weed and pest management.
International students
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated 5 star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Plan your courses
View your course options and plan your study using our course planner.
Related study options
Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning – BRP
With Massey’s Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning you can contribute to shaping the future of liveable cities and regions, ensuring sustainable use of resources.
Climate Action – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
Equips you with the skills and knowledge required to work within the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Climate Action – Bachelor of Impact and Innovation
Build the skills to address climate change through science, economics, policy, social sciences and practical action across communities and organisations.
Climate Futures – Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation
Shape the future of climate action by turning complex global challenges into bold, locally grounded solutions.
Climate Futures – Master of Impact and Innovation
Lead transformative climate action by applying advanced knowledge to real-world challenges, research and innovation.
Environmental Science – Bachelor of Science
Studying environmental science at Massey will give you the tools and understanding needed to help create a sustainable path for New Zealand and the world.
Environmental Studies – Diploma in Arts
If you are passionate about the natural world, a Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies) is a good place to begin. You’ll explore people’s relationships with the environment through different disciplines.
Environmental Studies – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Explore the dynamic relationship between human society and our environment with Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies).
Environmental Sustainability – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
This qualification will give you an advanced grounding in the theory, practice, and application of the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental sustainability.
Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health – GradDipEH
If you’re interested in protecting people’s health and wellbeing at a local community level, the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health is for you.
Land and Water Science – Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science
Balance the prosperity and environmental stewardship of the Earth. Understand how we impact Earth’s systems and use your scientific skills to steer us towards a more sustainable future.
Master of Environmental Management – MEnvMgmt
Gain sought-after, advanced knowledge of current land and water-based environmental management with Massey's Master of Environmental Management.
Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management – PGDipEnvMgmt
With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management, you will gain an in-depth understanding of how the natural environment functions and learn what can be done to address today’s environmental challenges.
Resilient Communities – Bachelor of Impact and Innovation
Build the skills to strengthen communities by combining planning, public health, leadership and community development.
Sustainable Climate Systems – Bachelor of Science
How do we counteract the impacts of climate change? By collecting evidence, seeking new perspectives, challenging conclusions and using 'systems' thinking. This is science for the society you live in. Study the complex problems of our age.
Related content
