- 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, or studying on-line outside 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
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: 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 detailsCourse 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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 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)
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
Scholarships and awards
Find more scholarships and awardsCareers 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.
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 – 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.
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.
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