Massey University

What you'll study

This degree combines core planning theory with practical skills in environmental science, law, policy and spatial analysis. In your first year you build foundations in environmental systems, resource management principles, research methods and introductory GIS. Later years progress to applied topics such as planning law and consenting processes, land-use and coastal planning, climate-change adaptation and mitigation, ecological and catchment management, community engagement and urban design.

• Core subjects: resource and environmental planning theory, environmental policy and ethics, research methods, statistics for planners.
• Technical skills: geographic information systems (GIS), spatial data analysis, environmental impact assessment, monitoring and reporting.
• Regulatory and cultural context: planning law and the resource consent process, Māori environmental perspectives and Treaty considerations, public participation and stakeholder engagement.
• Applied practice: catchment and biodiversity management, coastal and land-use planning, climate adaptation planning, professional practice and ethics.
• Capstone and work-integrated learning: final-year project or practicum with councils, iwi, community organisations or private consultancies, and field-based coursework.

Programme structure

The degree is typically completed over three years of full-time study, with a mix of compulsory core papers and electives that let you tailor the programme towards urban, regional or environmental management topics. Practical learning is emphasised through laboratory sessions, field trips, mapping workshops and placement opportunities with external partners.

Entry requirements

Entry is normally via a recognised secondary school qualification (for example New Zealand University Entrance or equivalent). Applicants should demonstrate competence in English; additional preparation in mathematics or statistics is an advantage but not always mandatory. Mature applicants with relevant work experience in environmental or planning roles may be considered through alternative admission pathways. International applicants must meet Massey University’s standard academic and English language requirements for undergraduate study.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for roles that bridge environmental science, policy and community engagement. Common career paths include:

• Resource and environmental planner or policy analyst in local and regional government
• Environmental consultant or consenting specialist in private practice
• Māori or iwi environmental adviser and planner
• GIS technician or spatial analyst supporting planning and environmental projects
• Project manager for restoration, biodiversity or climate adaptation initiatives
• Roles in non-government organisations, community groups and research agencies concerned with sustainable resource management

Graduates may also continue to postgraduate study in planning, environmental management, geography or related disciplines.

Why study at Massey University

Massey offers a practical, multidisciplinary approach to resource and environmental planning with strong emphasis on fieldwork, spatial tools and real-world placements. The programme benefits from teaching staff with applied experience, well-equipped labs and GIS facilities, and established links with regional and local councils, iwi and industry partners that support internships and project work. The course content reflects New Zealand’s legal and cultural context for resource management while giving you transferable skills for national and international practice.