Qualification Regulations
Part I
These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Part II
Admission
1. Admission to the Degree of Master of Environmental Management requires that the candidate will:
(a) meet the University admission requirements as specified;
and shall have been awarded or qualified for a:
(b) Relevant Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification, having achieved a B grade average or higher, over the qualifying 300-level courses; or
(c) Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management with a grade average of B or higher (Applied Pathway) or B+ or higher (Research Pathway), or equivalent; or
(d) Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours), having achieved Second Class Honours Division II or higher (Applied Pathway) or Second Class Honours Division I or higher (Research Pathway), or an equivalent qualification.
Qualification requirements
2. Candidates for the Degree of Master of Environmental Management shall follow a parts-based programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 180 credits, comprising:
(a) completion of Part One and Part Two as defined by the Schedule to the Degree;
(b) courses selected from the Schedule to the Degree;
and including:
(c) any compulsory courses listed in the Schedule to the Degree;
(d) attending field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials, and laboratories as required.
3. Notwithstanding Regulation 2, candidates admitted under Regulation 1(c) or (d) may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification in accordance with the limits specified in the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations.
4. Notwithstanding Regulation 2, a candidate admitted to the Master of Environmental Management Research Pathway under Regulation 1(c) or (d) may be permitted to complete a programme comprising the 120 credit thesis course 188.889 or 188.897 and 188.898 and 60 credits from Part One, which must include 188.764 and 188.765.
5. Notwithstanding Regulations 2 and 3, and at the discretion of Academic Board, candidates may be required to complete one or more bridging courses, 188.707 and/or 188.708, should their entry qualification be deficient in important aspects of environmental science.
Specialisations
6. The Degree of Master of Environmental Management is awarded without specialisations.
Student progression
7. For progression from Part One to Part Two (Research Pathway), candidates must have achieved a Grade Average of B+ or higher over the first 60 credits undertaken for Part One.
8. For Progression from Part One to Part Two (Applied Pathway), candidates must have achieved a Grade Average of B or higher over the first 120 credits undertaken for Part One.
9. In cases of sufficient merit, the Degree of Master of Environmental Management may be awarded with Distinction or Merit.
Completion requirements
10. The timeframes for completion as outlined in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates will apply.
11. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes; candidates who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management should they meet the relevant Qualification requirements.
Unsatisfactory academic progress
12. The general Unsatisfactory Academic Progress regulations will apply.
Transitional provisions
13. Subject to any Maximum Time to Completion regulations and the Abandonment of Study provisions specified in the Part I regulations to the degree, candidates enrolled in the Master of Environmental Management prior to 1 January 2022 may substitute a course or courses already passed for a course or courses in Part One of the Schedule until 31 December 2025.
Schedule for the Master of Environmental Management
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.
Key terms for course planning
- 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.
Part One
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 Economic Issues credits 15
Economic analysis of policy management issues in the use of natural resources, climate change, and the environment.
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
A study of the multidisciplinary aspects of conservation biology under three key themes: importance of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity, and conservation actions. Theories, practices, and new developments in conservation biology will be explored including 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 detailsPart Two
Research Pathway (Choose between 90 and 120 credits from)
Course code: 188881 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 (30 credits) credits 30
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188882 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 (60 credits) credits 60
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188888 Thesis credits 90
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188889 Thesis credits 120
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188897 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 credits 60
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 188898 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 credits 60
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsApplied Pathway (Choose 60 credits from)
Course code: 188863 Environmental Research and Data Analysis credits 60
Students will review the theoretical foundation and recent advances in selected environmental management themes in different countries; apply research methods and selected statistical techniques to analyse and evaluate environment management projects; write a self-directed research report.
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