Specialise in Climate Futures for your Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation at Massey
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation (Climate Futures) is for those ready to step into the complexity of climate change and help lead meaningful change. This specialisation moves beyond single-discipline thinking, equipping you to work across environmental, social, cultural and economic systems to tackle real-world climate challenges with confidence and creativity.
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.
Alongside this, you’ll build the practical capabilities to analyse, design and communicate climate solutions. You will learn to evaluate initiatives, develop resilient strategies and engage diverse stakeholders, giving you the tools to influence decisions and drive change in complex environments.
Further study
If you complete the qualification at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Master of Impact and Innovation. If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the master's qualification.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation in Climate Futures is a good fit if you:
- want to move into climate-focused work or grow your impact
- enjoy tackling complex challenges across science, policy and communities
- are motivated to create meaningful change.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Postgraduate Diploma in 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 details30 credits from
Course 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation (Climate Futures) 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.
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 Climate Futures specialisation are in demand across sectors tackling climate change and sustainability challenges.
You may go on to roles such as:
- Climate change advisor or policy analyst
- Sustainability or climate strategy consultant
- Climate risk, adaptation, or resilience specialist
- Environmental or sustainability manager
- Community, iwi or NGO-based climate initiatives lead.
With the ability to connect ideas across disciplines and translate them into action, you’ll be ready to shape solutions that support more sustainable, resilient futures.
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 five 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 three 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.
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