Specialise in Climate Futures for your Master of Impact and Innovation at Massey
Massey’s Master in Impact and Innovation (Climate Futures) is designed for those ready to lead in complex and uncertain climate contexts. Building on the same transdisciplinary foundation as the postgraduate diploma, you will deepen your ability to interpret and respond to climate challenges by integrating global, local, Indigenous and community perspectives in sophisticated and critically informed ways.
You will explore how climate action unfolds in practice from international policy and funding systems through to Indigenous knowledge and community-led responses. A strong focus on Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific helps you understand what effective, equitable climate action looks like in different contexts and at different scales.
A defining feature of the master's degree is the opportunity to apply your learning in a substantial, practice-based, or research-focused project. You can choose to complete a capstone project, undertake work-integrated learning within an organisation or produce a research report. Each pathway enables you to integrate theory, evidence and practice, and generate new insights or solutions that respond directly to complex climate challenges. Through this, you will strengthen your capacity to lead, innovate and influence change across sectors.
Become a sought-after employee
Studying towards your master's is a satisfying and challenging process that will give you a sought-after postgraduate qualification.
Why postgraduate study?
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The workload of the postgraduate diploma replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles.
Not just more of the same
Postgraduate study is not just ‘more of the same’ as undergraduate study. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study. It takes you to a new level in knowledge and expertise, especially in planning and undertaking research.
A Master of Impact and Innovation in Climate Futures is a good fit if you:
- want to take on leadership roles in climate and sustainability
- want to apply and extend your knowledge through real-world climate projects, research or professional contexts
- are driven to generate impactful climate solutions across systems and sectors.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Impact and Innovation is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
The first part gives you good knowledge and skills that will help you with the research part of your qualification.
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 Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate 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 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 Master of Impact and Innovation
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Master of Impact and Innovation core courses
Climate Futures courses
Compulsory course
Course code: 131721 Global and Local Responses to Climate Change 30 credits
The purpose of this course is to engage students in critical explorations of climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience. In particular, we will examine the complex relationship between global worldviews, state-led or professional practices and, on the other hand, local or Indigenous worldviews and community-based or alternative livelihood practices responding to climate change. Drawing from a critical hope perspective, students will determine effective policy and practice responses to climate change in specific contexts. The course also investigates global and local climate change funding mechanisms, with specific focus on Aotearoa and the Pacific.
View full course detailsCourse code: 131720 Climate Change and Sustainability 30 credits
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an advanced understanding of the climate change crisis based on the idea of critical hope, drawing from indigenous, natural, and social science theories, knowledges and frameworks. Students will critically engage and reflect on the ways in which the Sustainable Development Goals represent and attempt to mitigate Climate Change. In particular, this course explores the effects of climate change on Māori and Pacific peoples, and using real-world examples examines how indigenous knowledges, approaches and practices are shaping responses in these communities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178719 Climate Change Economics and Policy 30 credits
An analysis of the economics of climate change and evaluation of the mitigation options used by policy makers globally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178742 Environmental Economic Issues 15 credits
Economic analysis of policy management issues in the use of natural resources, climate change, and the environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 218715 Sustainability and Climate Change for Construction Industry 15 credits
Climate change presents specific challenges to the domestic and international construction industry, requiring innovations during the entire lifecycle of projects. This course introduces students to aspects of climate change, principles of sustainability, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals relevant to the built environment. It focuses on the specific implications of climate change for the construction industry and ways in which the industry can take leadership in promoting sustainability.
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 Master of Impact and Innovation you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification having achieved a minimum B grade average, as calculated over courses defined in the Postgraduate General Regulations; or
- the Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation or and equivalent qualification.
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.
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
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
Search our scholarships and awardsCareers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Graduates of the Masters in Impact and Innovation (Climate Futures) are well prepared for advanced and leadership roles across sectors addressing climate change and sustainability.
You may progress into roles such as
- senior climate policy advisor
- sustainability or climate strategy lead
- climate risk and resilience specialist
- environmental and sustainability manager.
The applied or research component of the master's degree also supports pathways into consultancy, organisational leadership and international climate and development work.
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