About the programme
The Bachelor of Environmental Management is an NZQF Level 7 undergraduate degree at Lincoln University that prepares graduates to tackle pressing environmental problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss and declining freshwater quality. It carries 360 credits and takes 3 years of full-time study on the Lincoln University campus.
The degree is multidisciplinary, drawing on both the physical and social sciences to show how environment, economy, society and culture are connected. Students learn the principles, tools, strategies and systems of effective environmental management, practise applying them in different situations and build skills for professional practice.
New Zealand's context runs through the programme: the Treaty of Waitangi and its application in environmental management, Māori planning and development, Māori environmental management (Te Kaitiakitaka), bicultural and intercultural competence and the value of Indigenous knowledge. Year one covers society, culture and environment, earth and ecological sciences, New Zealand government and public policy, and environmental economics. Year two adds environmental monitoring and resource assessment, sustainable futures, environmental analysis and options such as biodiversity, GIS, agroforestry, freshwater resources, land economics and urban and regional planning. In year three students take at least two of environmental planning, resource management law, environmental policy and catchment management.
The degree provides the academic background for professional certification with the New Zealand Association of Resource Management, although it is not accreditation in itself; certification also requires relevant work experience. Additional majors such as Water Management, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, or Tourism may be added.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent, with separate guidance for overseas qualifications.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet additional English language requirements.
- English and geography or social studies are highly recommended; biology, chemistry, computing, economics, history, Māori studies, maths or statistics and tourism are also useful.
What you study
- Society, Culture and Environment
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi)
- Introduction to Earth and Ecological Sciences
- Introduction to New Zealand Government and Public Policy
- Environmental Economics
- Environmental Monitoring and Resource Assessment
- Whakatakoto Kaupapa (Māori Planning and Development)
- Sustainable Futures and Environmental Analysis
- Te Kaitiakitaka (Māori Environmental Management)
- Options: Environmental Planning, Resource Management Law, Environmental Policy, Catchment Management
Careers after graduation
- The primary sector
- Resource management agencies
- Sustainability and conservation
- Community organisations
- Local, regional and central government
- Private development consultancies and corporations
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website