Lincoln University

What you'll study

This honours programme builds on disciplinary foundations in environmental science, social science and planning to deliver advanced study in policy and planning theory alongside practical skills. Typical components include core modules in environmental policy analysis, resource and land-use planning, planning law and governance, environmental economics, and research methods. Students also study applied technical skills such as GIS and spatial analysis, environmental impact assessment, and stakeholder engagement and facilitation.

The honours year emphasises independent research: you will complete a substantial supervised research project or dissertation that applies policy analysis and planning tools to a real-world environmental issue. Teaching combines seminars, workshops, field-based exercises and project work, and assessment commonly includes policy reports, plan-making exercises, spatial data projects and the honours dissertation.

Entry requirements

Admission to the honours programme normally requires completion of a recognised undergraduate degree in a related discipline (for example environmental science, geography, resource management, planning, ecology or a social science) with a good academic record. Typical applicants will have completed relevant second-year and third-year level courses in areas such as environmental policy, resource management, statistics or GIS.

Selection is competitive and based on academic transcripts; some applicants are asked to supply a statement of purpose and a research proposal outlining their intended honours project. Relevant work experience, industry placements or Māori environmental practice experience can strengthen an application. International applicants must meet the university's English-language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped for professional roles that require a blend of policy literacy and practical planning skills. Common career paths include environmental policy analyst, resource management planner, district or regional council planner, environmental consultant, iwi and hapū adviser, and roles in central government agencies responsible for environment and natural resources. The honours research component also provides a pathway into postgraduate study (Master's and PhD) and research positions.

Employers value the programme’s emphasis on applied problem solving and communication; graduates can work in local and national government, consultancies, non-governmental organisations, research institutes and the private sector where environmental compliance, sustainability planning and community consultation are required.

Why study at Lincoln University

Lincoln University is well regarded for its land- and environment-focused teaching and offers strong interdisciplinary links between social science, policy and environmental science. The campus provides practical learning opportunities, including field-based teaching and access to spatial analysis and laboratory facilities, and a learning environment that typically features smaller cohort sizes and close supervision.

The university has established connections with regional councils, government agencies and industry partners, which supports applied projects, internships and job pathways for graduates. If you want a programme that balances theory, technical skills and hands-on research tailored to land-use and resource-management challenges, this honours degree provides a focused route into policy and planning practice or further academic study.