Course details

Summary

Improve your knowledge of planning and produce your own research when you study towards a Master of Environmental Planning at the University of Waikato. You'll build on your undergraduate and graduate qualifications in this field.

During your Master of Environmental Planning (MEP), you'll develop your knowledge and skills relating to both the theory and practical applications of planning.

Your research skills will build to an advanced level, and you'll gain a broad and in-depth understanding of knowledge relating to this specialist area. Throughout this degree, you'll refine your ability to show independent critical judgement.

The MEP involves one year of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study. It comprises 120 points at 500 level, including either a 60-point dissertation and 60 points from approved 500 level papers , or a 90-point thesis and 30 points from approved 500 level papers , or a 120-point thesis.

Collaboration with Planning Professionals

At Waikato, you'll benefit from the service provided by a Planning Advisory Group. This Group is made up of experienced planning professionals working in the region.

During the MEP programme, you'll go to guest lectures, attend workshops and enjoy field trips where a range of professionals share their expertise. The Environmental Planning programme has enjoyed longstanding and active links with these professionals.

The teaching staff are connected with relevant networks such as the Resource Management Law Association and the New Zealand Planning Institute. Collaboration is encouraged and the MEP helps build close relations between Faculty members and employers, whether they be in environmental agencies or resource-use industries. These links help with addressing practical environmental problems.

Career Opportunities

Once you've completed your MEP, you'll be qualified to work in a range of different jobs. You may be passionate about research, and want to work in a research-focused role in either the public or private sector. Maybe you'd prefer to work for a professional planning consultancy or in a local or central government agency. You may like to work for an iwi authority or a natural resource user.

Entry criteria

To be admitted to the MEP, you must have completed one of the following and have achieved a satisfactory grade average normally at least B+:

• A Bachelor of Environmental Planning
• A Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Resources and Environmental Planning, or A Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Planning
• An approved qualification, including or together with, approved graduate papers in the field of Resources and Environmental Planning and evidence of at least two years’ work experience in a relevant field.

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.