Course details

Summary

Studying a graduate diploma helps you develop knowledge and skills in your chosen subject area which will enable you to undertake a new career or further study.

Graduate diplomas are intended to provide the equivalent of a major in a subject area that is different to your first degree’s major. You may be eligible if you haven’t studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability.

A graduate diploma is a more in-depth version of a graduate certificate, is studied at undergraduate level, and can be completed in the equivalent of one year (two semesters) of full-time study.

To complete the qualifications, students need to gain 120 points at 100 level (first year papers) or above, including at least 80 points at 300 level (third year papers) or above, in the graduate diploma subjects.

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 qualification considered equivalent to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree with a B 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.