Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management – PGDipEnvMgmt
Massey’s environmental management programme reflects the growing need to protect the environment and to use the resources of land, water, soil, plants, and animals in a balanced and sustainable way.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management is for those who have an undergraduate qualification and want to extend their knowledge to environmental management issues.
What will I study?
You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of how the natural environment functions and of what can be done to address today’s environmental challenges. You’ll also learn how societal values, needs and attitudes are reconciled with the need to maintain the integrity of ecological systems. The core courses of your study cover the following topics:
- an evaluation of current environmental issues
- holistic and transdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem solving
- environmental assessment techniques
- environmental economics
- environmental policy
- environmental anthropology
- participation in environmental management
- research skills and undertaking literature reviews
- project evaluation.
There are opportunities to gain advanced knowledge in current land and water-based environmental management. You could also focus on policy or economic elements. You’ll increase your knowledge of important tools and techniques like GIS, Remote Sensing and Life Cycle Assessment.
You can take advantage of Massey’s world-leading expertise in science, agriculture, business, social science and fundamental sciences, and our understanding of the interconnectivity between disciplines.
Internationally relevant
Our staff are world-class academics. They are publishing internationally, with strong connections to relevant organisations across areas associated with environmental management. Massey is ranked in the top 5% of universities in the world.
We have a large number of international students, attracted by the increasing global relevance of environmental management. This brings a unique dimension to your study.
Approachable lecturers
Massey lecturers are very approachable. We are focused on your success and open to helping you plan your career or research.
Further study
Upon successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management, you may be able to go on to study the Master of Environmental Management.
A PGDipEnvMgmt is a good fit if you:
- want to be trained to provide objective data and interpretation to support environmental management decision-making
- would like to develop the skills to make a career out of your passion for the environment
- would like to advance your career to the next level.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management you will have been awarded or qualified for a relevant Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
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.
Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management is awarded without specialisation.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
120 credits
- Compulsory courses – 30 credits
- Courses selected from the Schedule – At least 60 credits
- Electives from the Schedule – Up to 30 credits
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.
Core courses
30 credits from
Course code: 188764 Advanced Environmental Management I credits 15
The course is made up of three parts. It develops project and programme management skills, strengthens students' knowledge of natural resources at an advanced level, and combines these two to produce integrative skills in Environmental Management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188765 Advanced Environmental Management II credits 15
This course examines current environmental issues and explores alternative approaches to environmental management. A case study approach is used to develop critical thinking skills, and an in-depth understanding of complex human-environment interactions and possible solutions to environmental problems.
View full course detailsAt least 60 credits from
Course code: 176718 Environmental Sociology credits 30
An exploration of the interrelations between society and the environment, with an examination of major contemporary environmental issues from a sociological point of view. Among the major issues covered are consumerism, population growth, resource limits, development, political conflicts, environmental groups and environmental values.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178742 Environmental Economics for Non-Economists credits 15
Economic analysis of policy management issues in the use of natural resources and the environment. Concepts and principles will be discussed and applied to issues such as fisheries, land, water and climate change.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188707 Environmental Management Principles and Practice credits 15
This course uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine contemporary environmental issues. Key environmental management principles and practices are introduced and explored through a series of applied case studies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188708 Land System Change credits 15
The consequences of the processes and activities that pertain to human use of the land are considered. The patterns and distribution of land use and land cover types and the methods for measuring, recording and managing information about land use and land cover and how it changes over time are evaluated, and the implications of land system change are investigated.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188751 Advanced Zero Waste for Sustainability credits 30
An in-depth exploration of the life cycle and environmental issues of solid material resources upon which all economic production depends. Zero Waste is examined as a resource management paradigm shift in philosophy, policy, technology and practices focused on sustainable development.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189730 Sustainable Land and Water Management credits 15
Advanced theoretical and practical experience in the application of soil, water and GHG emission sciences to the sustainable management of New Zealand’s land, water and air resources. Sources and pathways for nutrient, contaminant and GHG transfer from soil to water and atmosphere will be analysed, and considered in the context of land use and potential in-field and edge-of-field attenuation technologies and practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 232701 Conservation Biology credits 30
Conservation biology involves applying theory from several branches of biology to the problem of conserving biological diversity. This course covers a range of general issues in conservation biology, including ethical and cultural issues, population and demographics and genetics, population viability analysis, and community-level conservation. It also covers several specific topics in depth, with an emphasis on New Zealand case studies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233712 Environmental Geographic Information Systems credits 15
The application of geospatial analytical techniques within the environmental sciences is required as a key decision support tool in land management. This course will explore the way cartographic modelling, data fusion, database query, geostatistical analysis and image integration are applied to solve common environmental and resource management issues drawing on a range of software currently used in industry.
View full course detailsCourse code: 235701 Māori Values and Resource Management credits 15
In this applied course students will learn about Māori concepts and values associated with the management of natural resources. Students will gain an appreciation of the importance of indigenous values, and in particular Māori values and management approaches to sustainable resource management. Case studies will be undertaken to develop skills in the management of natural resources.
View full course detailsCourse code: 238700 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Footprinting Principles credits 15
The concept of life cycle thinking and its application to support decision-making for product systems. The course will provide an overview of the principles and methodology for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) according to the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, and introduce related environmental footprinting approaches (carbon and water footprinting).
View full course detailsElective courses (Choose no more than 30 credits from)
Course code: 119710 Nutrient Management in Grazed Pasture Systems credits 30
An advanced, integrated study of the environmental and management factors influencing the cycling of nutrients in grazed pasture production systems. Contemporary production systems are analysed and strategies devised to maximise the efficiency of nutrient use (including fertiliser recommendations) in pasture and supplementary feed production and animal nutrition. Financial risks associated with farm management strategies that minimise environmental risk are assessed.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119731 Topics in Agricultural Extension and Consultancy credits 15
This course focuses on extension and consultancy theory and its application in commercial farming and horticulture. The design, implementation and evaluation of extension and consultancy programmes; managing an agricultural consultancy business; codes of practice (ethics); current and emerging extension and consultancy issues. Case studies of local agricultural consultancies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119752 Advanced Farm and Horticultural Management credits 15
Studies related to the principles of farm and/or horticultural management using case studies of farm and/or horticultural businesses; risk analysis and management at the strategic, tactical and operational levels; development of business plans; financial management and the application of whole farm planning techniques.
View full course detailsCourse code: 130705 Emergency Management credits 30
An examination of the social, psychological, community and organisational aspects of disaster management in New Zealand. Emphasis is on the development and implementation of an all-hazards, comprehensive and integrated approach to emergency management. Selected readings and case studies will be used to facilitate the development of an effective response to social, psychological, community and organisational issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 131704 Sustainable Development credits 30
A course concerned with the concept of sustainable development in all its dimensions (economic, social and environmental), focused on the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Conceptual lenses, including Indigenous understandings of sustainability and the sustainable livelihoods framework, are also discussed.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132735 Natural Resource Policy and Planning credits 30
Natural resource planning principles and practice. Application of the concept of sustainable development to the management of biophysical resources and systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145710 Consumption and Place credits 30
This course explores consumption processes, practices and places. Using a number of themes it encourages students to engage with relationships between production and consumption, cultural and economic change, and matters of identity and ethics.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145739 GIS Principles and Applications credits 30
A conceptual and operational understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This course provides a postgraduate-level introduction to fundamentals of spatial data creation, manipulation, management, visualisation and analysis.
View full course detailsCourse code: 145740 GIS Programming and Practice credits 30
This course focuses on principles and practices of programming within the GIS context. Issues in GIS project design and implementation are addressed.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152704 Business and Sustainability credits 30
An analysis of the relationships between the business community, the natural environment, and social and environmental sustainability. The course examines global debates on social and environmental issues, introduces theories of sustainability, and considers the implications of sustainability for business policy and management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152730 Advanced Contemporary Issues in Sustainability credits 30
Students will critique the business case for sustainability and develop holistic sustainability strategies to address contemporary economic, ethical, environmental, and social concerns for business, including those relating to sustainable supply chain management, sustainable operations management, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and ethical trade.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152752 Project Management credits 30
A comprehensive study of the theory and methods employed in project management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 158740 Location Systems: Spatial Databases, Tools and Applications credits 15
This course will develop knowledge and skills in the use of geographic information science in an interdisciplinary context. Students will learn how to work with clients to identify requirements, model and collect data and create a location-based web application. A range of areas and a variety of different uses of geographic information will be covered using open source tools. An interdisciplinary group project will form part of the course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 158741 Location Data: Mapping, Analysis and Visualisation credits 15
This course will develop knowledge and skills in the processing, analysis and visualisation of data that has a location on the earth. Location data is more and more readily available, and students will learn how to transform and integrate data from multiple sources, consider the impact of data uncertainty and privacy, and perform appropriate analysis for environmental, social and economic applications. Different data collection methods will be discussed, and a range of open source tools will be used.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175729 Psychology and Culture credits 15
This course examines the wide-ranging influence culture has in people's lives, from their ideological beliefs and values to their behaviour patterns. How cultural influences have been considered in the theory, research, and practice of psychology will be examined.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175733 Sustainable Livelihood credits 15
According to the UN, Sustainable Livelihoods include not only access to shelter and food but also security, dignity, societal participation for groups and individuals. This course examines how workplaces potentially enable such capabilities, e.g., by respecting cultural foundations, enabling work-life-balance, providing decent work, and reducing inequality, through equitable partnerships between organizations along global supply chains, fair trade, living wages.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178719 Climate Change Economics and Policy credits 30
An analysis of the economics of climate change and evaluation of the mitigation options used by policy makers globally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 189731 Advanced Studies in Soil Science credits 15
A selection of modules from professional development courses: intermediate and advanced sustainable nutrient management; intermediate and advanced farm environment planning; farm dairy effluent system design and management; introduction to NZ agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and management. This course is targeted to students wanting an applied course in soils relevant to production agriculture and horticulture or to environmental management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 196713 Ecology credits 30
This course explores contemporary issues in ecology, emphasising a functional outlook on the role of species in communities. It will focus on biodiversity and the interactions of organisms as stimuli for biodiversity. Topics include diversity and ecosystem function, patterns of species diversity, keystone species, herbivory, community structure, assembly roles and food web studies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 218769 Energy-Efficient Building Design credits 15
This course examines approaches to reducing energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings resulting from the design and use of the building and its energy services. The course covers the principles of energy-efficient building design as well as use and interpretation of energy and sustainability audits. Identification of options for reducing energy use through renovation and retrofitting as well as occupant behaviour are also covered.
View full course detailsCourse code: 232703 Wildlife Management credits 30
A problem-based course involving fieldwork, data analysis, and report writing. A range of research methods relevant to conservation managers will be explored using selected real-world problems. The problems will cover a diversity of techniques with a strong emphasis on gaining experience in conservation application and quantitative analytical methods.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233713 Environmental Remote Sensing credits 15
Remote sensing is the process of detecting and monitoring the Earth by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation, usually from satellites or aircraft. The course will focus on the use of digital analysis of remotely sensed imagery and data. The integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital elevation models (DEMs) with remotely sensed data will be used to highlight practical solutions in land management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233714 Advanced Geoscience Techniques credits 15
Studies utilising modern Geoscience techniques require the collection and analysis of complex data and datasets. In this advanced course experience will be gained in modelling and solving complex geoscience processes through advanced geological mapping and the collection of samples and data that will be analysed using specialised equipment and methods.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233715 Environmental and Geological Hazards credits 15
One of the biggest issues facing the developed and developing world is exposure to environmental and natural hazards. Practical solutions to recognising, managing and mitigating environmental/natural hazard, risk and disasters will be explored in this course. Advanced quantification of natural hazards and how this informs modern day risk assessment, mitigation and management will be explored.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
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 and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Fees 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
Postgraduate learning is a satisfying and challenging process. Environmental Management is an exciting and rewarding area of study.
Sought-after by employers
Being exposed to diverse disciplines and associated fieldwork is both challenging and rewarding. It is these skills and the applied nature of your learning that are highly-valuable to potential employers. Many of our students are employed before they graduate.
Demand for people with environmental management skills is growing in New Zealand and overseas. Organisations outside of those directly related to environmental issues are increasingly recognising the need to have expertise in this area in every industry.
Your lecturers maintain excellent relationships with key organisations and these relationships give our students networking opportunities for future careers.
Nearly 30% of our graduates are employed in research, universities or district or city councils. Many are also in private consultancies and businesses.
Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.
What our students say
“I decided to study at Massey University because I wanted my future to be open to working in a variety of fields, and this programme has helped me develop the skills to achieve that.”

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Useful planning information

Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz