Specialise in Planetary Health for your Master of Impact and Innovation at Massey
Planetary Health is a solutions-focused specialisation that explores how our changing climate and biosphere impact human health. In this specialisation, you will examine how climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation are influencing the health of people and communities.
You will explore broader definitions of health that go beyond individuals to include communities, ecosystems and global systems. The qualification brings together perspectives from public health, environmental science, humanities and community development to help you understand how climate related shifting patterns of disease, disaster risks and climate adaptation are interconnected.
At master's level, a defining feature is that you will apply your learning in a substantial project, practice-based, or research-focussed project. You can choose to complete a capstone project, undertake work-integrated learning with an organisation or produce a research report. This allows you to integrate theory and practice in a way that aligns with your interests and career goals.
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 Planetary Health is a good fit if you:
- are motivated to design transdisciplinary, system-level solutions
- want to move into leadership or specialist roles in Planetary Health.
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 pass 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
Planetary Health courses
Compulsory course
Course code: 250700 Planetary Health 30 credits
Planetary Health is a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field focused on how our changing climate and biosphere impact human health. We will explore definitions of health that encompass individuals, communities, and wider natural systems, and examine intersections between shifting disease burden, disaster management and climate adaptation. We will analyse local and international strategies for flourishing that are attuned to equity and climate justice.
View full course details30 credits from
Course code: 132751 Planning for Natural Hazards and Climate Resilient Development 30 credits
Advanced study of natural hazards planning to build hazard- and climate-resilient communities that have just, sustainable and flourishing futures. Understand and apply planning processes and tools to assess hazard exposure and vulnerability, reduce hazard and climate risks, improve disaster readiness, develop effective response capabilities, facilitate recovery, and enable climate resilient development.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231704 Hauora Māori 30 credits
This course provides an overview and analysis of hauora Māori perspectives. Historical and contemporary contexts and challenges are used to discuss Māori approaches in public health, with reference to Māori knowledge and Māori leadership. The course focuses on developing critical consciousness for becoming advocates and champions for Māori health through Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231707 Environmental Health 30 credits
Critical reviews or applied research on advanced topics in Environmental Health.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231725 Foundations of Public Health 15 credits
This course presents the overarching framework, principles and core functions of public health in Aotearoa New Zealand. It utilises a multidisciplinary lens to investigate the key determinants of health status across population groups in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. The course provides the necessary foundation for students to engage in advanced approaches essential for public health practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231726 Health Systems and Policy 15 credits
This course uses systems thinking approaches to examine and compare the Aotearoa New Zealand health system within the international context, how it is structured and operates, and how this impacts on public health responses. Health policy and public health advocacy is examined as an instrument to enhance the health system and broader responses to major public health challenges.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231728 Public Health Practice 15 credits
This course aims to provide students with the conceptual, analytical and strategic planning basis for effective public health practice. The course focuses on the theory and practice of designing, developing, implementing and evaluating practice. It draws upon analysis of determinants, stakeholders, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led and community development approaches, and intervention research.
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 are prepared to take on advanced roles that require critical analysis, leadership and the ability to design and implement solutions across complex systems.
Career opportunities may include:
- Climate and health advisor
- Senior public health or policy analyst
- Climate change and health specialist
- Programme or project lead in health, climate adaptation, or development sectors
- Researcher or policy advisor in government, iwi, NGOs or international organisations.
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