- 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 online outside New Zealand
- Note:
- Note: Not all courses are available in any given year
Specialise in Geography for your Graduate Diploma in Arts at Massey
A Massey Graduate Diploma in Arts (Geography) is a bridging tool for graduates in other subjects to get the equivalent of a major in geography. You can then go on to postgraduate studies in geography if you wish.
You’ll study how we interact with our cultural, social and physical environments. Geography is a diverse and dynamic subject. It covers issues such as:
- sustainability
- urban development
- globalisation
- geopolitics
- people’s lived experiences of their environments
- understanding spatial relationships and geographic information systems (GIS).
Geographers like to get out into the field to study the world as it really is. They use a variety of tools, including geospatial mapping technologies.
Stage 1 of the BA Geography includes human and environmental geography:
- human geography looks at how social processes affect space, place and landscape;
environmental geography looks at how natural landscapes are shaped and changed through natural and human processes.
You will gain a solid foundation for understanding our world as the product of a combination of social and natural processes. More advanced courses expand on the themes established at Stage 1. You can specialise in human geography, or include more advanced geospatial and earth science courses as well.
Travel opportunities
Geography is a globally oriented discipline. You’ll learn about New Zealand and its place in the world. You'll study internationally significant topics such as globalisation, urban change, climate change, and geopolitics. Our lecturers are deeply involved with the vibrant international geography community. You'll learn at the cutting edge, whether it’s the latest geospatial and mapping technologies, or the most recent thinking on how cities are changing in a digital world.
Good student-teacher ratio
Our students have opportunities to be actively involved in class. Enjoy higher success rates, dynamic teaching environments, and great instructor support.
A Graduate Diploma in Arts in Geography is a good fit if you:
- already have a bachelor’s degree and want to expand your horizons
- wish to develop your interest in geography
- have an interest in going on to postgraduate study.
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
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.
Subject courses
Course code: 121313 Catchment Solutions 15 credits
The course covers the principles and methodology of river resource management. It integrates ecology, hydrology, geomorphology and water quality to understand how river ecosystems function and how they may be managed to maximise societal and environmental benefit.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145300 Cartography and Data Visualisation 15 credits
A course in geographic information systems (GIS) focusing on the use of digital geospatial information for cartographic presentation and data visualisation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145311 Geographies of Globalisation 15 credits
The course explores processes of globalisation emphasising spaces and agents of global change, and global-local connections across a variety of topics.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145318 Geopolitics 15 credits
An advanced study of geopolitics, emphasising geographical processes across a variety of topics.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145301 Research Practice in Human Geography 15 credits
An introduction to theoretical approaches in human geography, research design and qualitative methodology and techniques. There is a compulsory fieldwork component.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233303 Natural Hazards and Climate Change 15 credits
This course will delve into an in-depth analysis of the generation and occurrence of natural hazards, their impacts, and effective risk management strategies. This course also includes the consideration of how climate change is modifying natural events. Students will explore and analyse natural hazards and climate change that impact our environment and future global risk reduction and sustainability initiatives with a focus on creating solutions that mitigate the impact of hazards on society.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121213 Land and Water 15 credits
How river catchments work and how they are affected by human activity. The environmental effects of land and water management practices, including land use, irrigation, drainage and nutrient loss, on river channels, flows and water quality, framed within an understanding of catchment geomorphology and hydrological processes.
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: 145203 Geographies of Inequality 15 credits
This course will consider how economic and social inequality is reproduced across space.
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: 233215 Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 15 credits
Erosion and sediment transport pose significant challenges for Aotearoa New Zealand's landscapes. This course delves into the processes driving changes in mountains, hillslopes, rivers, coastal, and marine environments as sediment is eroded, transported, and deposited. Moreover, we will explore the potential impacts of climate change on these processes and landforms. The course equips students with methods to analyse and forecast landform changes and sediment transport, laying the groundwork for effectively managing geomorphic issues that impact society and the environment.
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 (Geography) 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.
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 a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Geography) you can choose from a wide range of careers including:
- conservation and environmental research
- geospatial technician
- energy development
- strategic leadership
- resource management
- forestry
- public service
- community organisations and non-profits
- international development and diplomacy
- local and regional councils
- business and market research
- city economic planning
- teaching
- tourism
- journalism.
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.
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Geography
Massey is ranked in the world's top 250 universities for geography in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
Related study options
Geography – Graduate Certificate in Arts
With Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Arts (Geography), you can study geography without completing a second bachelor’s degree. Learn about our rapidly changing world and how social, political, economic, cultural and environmental processes come together in the places we live.
Geography – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
With Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Geography) you can take your study of geography further.
Geography – Bachelor of Arts
Understand our rapidly changing world with Massey's Bachelor of Arts (Geography). Geography asks how social, political, economic, cultural and environmental processes come together in the places we live.
Geography – Diploma in Arts
With Massey's Diploma of Arts (Geography) you’ll learn how we interact with our cultural, social, and physical environments.
Geography – Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Take your study of geography to a higher level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Geography). Enhance your research skills by investigating a topic in geography that interests you.
Geography – Master of Arts
Take your study of geography to a higher level with Massey’s Master of Arts (Geography). You can build on your undergraduate interest in geography and develop your critical research skills.
Postgraduate Diploma in International Development – PGDipIntDev
Gain advanced knowledge and skills to help overcome poverty and enhance human wellbeing.
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