- Where you can study
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Distance and onlineManawatū campus (Palmerston North)
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
- Note:
- Note: Not all courses will be offered in all modes or across all campuses in any given year.
Specialise in Environmental Studies for your Diploma in Arts at Massey
Environmental studies is concerned with human society in its physical setting. It examines the relationships between natural, social and built environments.
Environmental studies is a broad topic that explores diverse and complex environmental issues from a range of perspectives - scientific, social, cultural and economic.
Planning information
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.
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
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.
Environmental Studies courses
Compulsory course
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 detailsSubject courses
Course code: 121210 Environmental Issues 15 credits
A consideration of major environmental issues that affect, or may affect natural and built ecosystems into the future. Topics include climate change mitigation and adaptation, the ‘Ozone Hole’, land degradation and soil contamination, increasing water scarcity and pollution, loss of biodiversity and fisheries, sustainability of production and consumption systems, and the sustainability and liveability of major urban centres.
View full course detailsCourse code: 134218 Environmental Philosophy 15 credits
This course uses philosophy to explore contemporary environmental issues, such as whether our concern for environmental well-being can be adequately grounded in a concern for human well-being, and responses to global conversations around sustainability and ‘the rights of nature'.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121310 Environmental Solutions 15 credits
A consideration of technology and innovation that can be used to measure, manage and mitigate environmental risks to soil and water. Theory and practical exercises based on New Zealand case studies equip students with numerical skills necessary to monitor and evaluate environmental quality. A student-led project allows in-depth study of a New Zealand environmental issue of particular relevance to community.
View full course detailsCourse 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
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: 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: 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: 145214 Social Change and Environment 15 credits
Exploration of the theme of social change and environment with reference to world systems and imperialism studied from a historical geography perspective and focusing on New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145216 Urban Environments 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: 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: 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 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 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 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.
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
Careers and job opportunities
With society becoming more environmentally aware, careers in this area are growing. Many local and national government departments are employing people to focus on aspects of the environment and how it can be preserved. Areas where knowledge of environmental studies is useful include:
- 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 five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
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.
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 – Bachelor of Arts
Turn your interest in the environment into a career with Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Studies).
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.
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.
Sustainable Climate Systems – Bachelor of Science
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