- Where you can study
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Distance and online
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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 Graduate Diploma in Arts at Massey
The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects. This qualification gets you the equivalent of a major in environmental studies.
See the big environmental picture
With Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies) you’ll explore the dynamic relationship between human society and our environment. It’s a relationship that’s always changing. You’ll learn to think critically and understand the big picture – instead of seeing environmental questions simply as problems that can be solved easily with a technological fix.
Tailor a qualification that’s just for you
With a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies), you can explore environmental studies from a scientific, social, cultural or economic point of view.
A Graduate Diploma in 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 you’ll take eight 15-credit courses (120 credits) in 1 year, or 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school.
Not all courses are available in any given year.
100-level prerequisites
When you are granted entry to the qualification, you are not required to pass any 100-level prerequisite course/s for the specialisation. You may need to apply for 200-level courses using the Special Request function in Course Enrolment in your student portal if your previous study was not completed at Massey. If you plan to take any electives in subjects such as Languages, Economics, Mathematics or Statistics, you will need to meet the 100-level prerequisite 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
Compulsory courses
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: 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: 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 detailsSubject courses
Course 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: 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
To enter the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
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.
Scholarships and awards
Find more scholarships and awardsCareers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
With a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies) you’ll be prepared for a meaningful and important career.
Our society is becoming more environmentally aware, and career opportunities in this area are growing. Many local, regional and national government agencies and community organisations are taking on people to focus specifically on aspects of the environment and how it can be preserved.
Potential career fields include:
- allocation of water resources
- ecological restoration
- endangered species management
- waste and toxic substances management
- weed and pest management
- climate change and carbon management policies
- environmental planning and sustainability.
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.
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 3 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 – 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 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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