Specialise in Planetary Health for your Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation at Massey
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation (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, the humanities and community development to help you understand how shifting patterns of disease, disaster risks and climate adaptation are interconnected.
You’ll be encouraged to think critically and act responsibly, with a strong focus on climate and intergenerational justice. The qualification is attuned to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and teaches approaches to complex global challenges that respect diverse perspectives and knowledge systems. Through this specialisation, you will learn to design innovative, future-focused solutions that benefit both human health and the biosphere.
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 Planetary Health is a good fit if you:
- are motivated to connect population health issues to the realities of a changing climate
- want to tackle real-world health challenges in partnership with other sectors for the benefit of both people and planet.
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
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Impact and Innovation (Planetary Health) 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 are well prepared for roles that address complex health and environmental challenges across sectors, working at the intersection of health, sustainability and policy.
Career opportunities may include:
- Public health analyst
- Climate change and health specialist
- Policy advisor in disaster risk and resilience
- Policy advisor in health, environment, or sustainability
- Community wellbeing or development practitioner
- Roles in NGOs, government agencies, iwi or international organisations
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