Course details

Summary

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) is an opportunity for Bachelor of Science graduates to advance their qualifications.

Subject description

The study of Geography is exciting, challenging and relevant to today's world. Geographers study the natural processes of the physical environment, as well as the activities and consequences of humans in this environment. Some geographers specialise in coastal, glacial or fluvial processes and landforms, climatology, biogeography, hydrology or environmental change. Others study regional economics, population change, the problems of rural or urban areas, or the experience of particular groups such as Maori. Still others, specialising in spatial analysis, bring the power of geographic information science to bear on a wide range of research problems. Increasingly, these varied interests are coming together in the study of environmental problems and Geographers lead the way in resource management.

By studying geography at the School of Environment you will learn:

• Effective research techniques through field work
• Demographic and economic analysis
• Physical landscape interpretation and landform reconstruction
• Cultural landscape interpretation
• Weather, wave, tide and river monitoring and analysis
• GPS field mapping of landforms and air photo analysis
• Mapping and analysing information using GIS
• Cartography and geo-visualisation
• Understanding of cultural ideas about the environment
• Laboratory analysis of soils and sediments
• Spatial data analysis

Theory relevant to changing social organisations and cities, and current issues

Postgraduate Geography offers the opportunity for students to extend their studies and engage in specialized research. Our teaching builds upon our research in areas such as physical and biological systems, resource management, economic and social structures, spatial organization, cultural landscapes and geographical information science.

Career opportunities

Students are given the opportunity to extend their understanding of the human and natural environments, establishing the foundation for interesting careers in such areas as:

• Resource management
• Hydrology and water resources
• Coastal management
• Climatology
• Social, economic and environmental research
• Health research
• Business management
• Geographic information studies
• Market research
• Education
• Policy analysis
• Community advocacy

Requirements:

15 points: GEOG 701

At least 75 points from GEOG 711–779, ENVMGT 741-746, ENVSCI 704, 713, 737, 738, EARTHSCI 705, 713, 732

Up to 30 further points from other 700 level courses in a related subject as approved by the Programme Coordinator.

Where could this programme take you?

Because science plays a vital role in addressing the key issues that confront us and future generations, studying the sciences opens up a wide range of career opportunities.

Further study options

• Master of Science
• Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice
• Master of Bioscience Enterprise
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Entry criteria

The prerequisite is a major in Geography or Earth Sciences with 45 points at Stage III in Geography.

English language requirements: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.