Course details

Summary

Postgraduate certificates provide the opportunity for continuing professional development in the same area as an original degree. A postgraduate diploma can often lead to a master's degree.

Postgraduate certificates are available to graduates who wish to build on an earlier degree, and who have appropriate practical, professional or scholarly experience. Some are available only on a part time basis. Waikato University offers specialist postgraduate certificates as well as postgraduate certificates.

Environmental Sciences

The pressure on our environment is increasing as the human population grows. Environmental Sciences provide a basis for understanding environmental problems, and finding solutions to them.

Environmental Sciences is the interdisciplinary study of the environment and how we manage it. It draws on all the sciences, particularly ecology and earth sciences.

There is growing recognition, at local and global levels, of the need to manage our soil, ecological, marine, mineral and energy resources in a sustainable manner. As an environmental scientist or technician, you'll have the chance to become directly involved in the effective management of these precious resources.

If you decide to major in Environmental Sciences at the University of Waikato, you'll take a range of papers from across the biological, chemical and Earth sciences, giving you a broad base on which to build your career.

Environmental Microbiology

You will learn about the important role micro-organisms play in underpinning environmental processes, from recycling nutrients to bioremediation of contaminated sites.

Environmental Modelling

Learn to use computer models to understand and predict changes in a range of environments such as estuaries, lakes, rivers, coastlines, climate, and the ocean.

Land and Freshwater Environments

Discover the importance of the sustainable management of soil and water resources for human survival, biodiversity and wider ecological values.

Marine Sciences

Explore marine organisms and the sustainable management of marine environments, including processes such as the effects of coastal erosion and sedimentation.

Career opportunities

• Agricultural Adviser
• Biosecurity Officer
• Coastal Resource Manager
• Consent Planner
• Environmental Analyst
• Environmental Scientist
• Hydrologist
• Oceanographer
• Water Resource Manager

Entry criteria

A recognized bachelor’s degree with a B/B+ grade average. You must also have a major in the relevant subject area with a B/B+ grade average.

English language requirements:

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in writing); iBT (internet based TOFEL) - 90 with a score of 22 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic- 65 with English language requirements no less than 58 for each communicative skill; From Waikato Pathways College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic (CAAE) programme.