About Graduate Diploma In Environmental Management in Southern Institute of Technology

Comprising two elective options: renewable energy auditing and mineral resources management, the programme will provide students with both the knowledge and practical skills to develop a broad understanding of environmental management.

Successful completion by students who may have a degree in a different discipline will ensure they are equipped with the knowledge required to fulfil the expectations of the environmental management industry.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Renewable Energy strand will undertake research and analysis in an environmental management related context, conduct environmental impact assessments and analyse energy systems for environmental impact.

Graduates of the Mineral Resources Management strand will provide advice and expertise on mineral resources management as well as being able to conduct feasibility studies into the impact of resources usage in communities and the wider environment.

Satisfactory Completion

Every candidate for the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management is required to follow to the satisfaction of the Board of Studies, a programme of study for a minimum period of one year. The year of study comprises two 17-week semesters.

The overall programme of study for every candidate requires 120 credits for successful completion of the graduate diploma. Individual papers may have specific prerequisites or other knowledge/skill requirements, which must be satisfied by all students.

In order to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management, the student will have been credited with all required papers and electives as specified in the graduate diploma schedule.

The student completing the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management will normally be expected to complete the one-year programme (full-time equivalent) within four years.

Not withstanding the requirements set out above, the Head of Faculty with the approval and recommendation of the Board of Studies, may allow a student a longer period to complete the programme.

Entry is open to those who have graduated successfully from a bachelor degree programme or who can demonstrate equivalent relevant, practical, professional or educational experience in a related discipline.

Language Requirements

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate of at least 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved an NZQA approved English Proficiency Assessment, or achieved the required score in one of the following internationally recognised English Proficiency tests within the preceding two years:

• IELTS Test: Academic Score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
• TOEFL Paper-based test (pBT): Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE
• TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT): Score of 60 (with a writing score of 20)
• University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations: FCE or FCE for schools or CAE or CPE with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill.
• Pearson Test of English Academic: PToE Academic with score of 50
• City and Guilds IESOL: B2 Communicator with a score of 66 NZCEL Level 4 with the Academic endorsement 

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate below 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English must provide evidence that they:

1. Have gained NCEA Level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements or
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America or
3. Have achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, CELTA or passed one of the English language tests listed above. 

The Head of Faculty will determine the maximum number of students permitted to enrol in the graduate diploma programme.

Southern Institute of Technology Highlights

New Zealand Living Expenses

You'll require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380–480 per week) for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance fees. The average living expense will be the same for everyone, regardless of their tuition or course price. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions; the Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year including return travel or an additional $2,000.