At their core, all environmental issues are social issues. Social science approaches allow us to understand the underlying causes and develop solutions to tricky environmental problems.

Environmental Studies draws together environmental psychology, science and technology studies, critical theory, Mātauranga Māori, policy, and environmental ethics to help you learn how to create change.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Studies is made up of one year of taught courses. The Master’s programme includes the same courses, followed by a full year of research. Our highly interactive courses develop your fundamental understanding of the social dimensions of environmental issues. The Master’s degree sees you design and carry out a substantial independent research project.

Working closely with our academic team, you will develop excellent skills for analysing and understanding information, communicating clearly, and conducting ethical research with communities. You will also be part of a community of learners—students and academics—who are committed to collective success.

Programmes

Get the Postgraduate Science Handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science Postgraduate Handbook.

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Learn from the experts

Learn from highly regarded academics who are experts in their fields. You'll also hear from guest lecturers who are experienced professionals in environmental planning, economics, policy, law, politics, ethics and indigenous development.

Across disciplines

Environmental Studies connects with Geography and Development Studies as well as Māori Studies, Public Policy, Law, and Management. You can study the subject at postgraduate level from a science, commerce, or arts background.

Because you’ll study with students from a variety of disciplines and professions, you’ll broaden your own understanding through their different viewpoints and experiences.

portrait photo

The Master of Environmental Studies programme gave me an opportunity to learn about the challenges facing our planet and the different ways that we can respond.

Chantal Mawer

Researcher/Analyst for the Waitangi Tribunal

Full story

The right connections

Make connections with the organisations that form the policy, conduct the research, and create the spaces we live in. In the capital city you can take advantage of the University's relationships with the central government policy world and major research institutes like the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research and the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute.

Flexible study

You can choose to complete a one-year Postgraduate Diploma or a two-year Master's that will include a thesis. Both programmes offer you the flexibility to choose the courses that best suit your interests and career goals.

If you are interested in creating a better environment and have a Bachelor's degree with a B+ average in a relevant subject (or B for the PGDip), then postgraduate Environmental Studies is ideal for you. If you don't have a degree but have significant relevant experience, you may also be able to enrol in one of the programmes.

MEnvStud Master of Environmental Studies

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$11,677per year
  • Schedule Lectures
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 24 Feb 2025, 7 Jul 2025, 17 Nov 2025 (+ 0 more)
  • Type Coursework and research
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • Complete 240 points (a thesis worth 120 points plus 8 courses)
  • Entry Bachelor's degree in relevant subject with a B+ average or extensive practical experience.

PGDipEnvStud Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Studies

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$11,677for the full programme
  • Schedule Daytime lectures
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 24 Feb 2025, 7 Jul 2025, 17 Nov 2025 (+ 0 more)
  • Type Coursework and some research
  • Location Kelburn, Wellington
  • Complete 120 points (8 15-points courses)
  • Entry Bachelor's degree with a B average, or extensive practical experience

PhD

If you do well in your Master's research you'll be able to apply to do a PhD.

A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the University. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the Wellington Faculty of Science.

As a PhD candidate you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.

Community and support

Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues.

You'll have opportunities to attend frequent seminars and workshops from overseas experts and environmental activists and take part in lively discussions about New Zealand's environmental policies.

You'll also get your own workspace alongside other postgraduate students.

The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information and provides a voice for you on campus.

Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact and vibrant capital. Immerse yourself in the beautiful natural environment and make use of the city's forest walking and mountain biking tracks and varied coastline.

Careers

Once you graduate, you will be able to contribute to environmental practice, both in New Zealand and around the world. The skills you'll develop are relevant to many careers, including environmental policy, planning and management.

Many students have gone on to work in places like the Ministry for the Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and regional or city councils. You might join a non-governmental organisation (NGO), a corporation, an iwi organisation or become an environmental business consultant or social entrepreneur.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.