About the programme
The Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Management is an NZQF level 8 programme at Lincoln University covering both the theory and the hands-on practice of managing resources and caring for the environment. It carries 60 credits and takes half a year of full-time study, usually one semester; part-time study is also possible.
Students deepen their expertise in environmental management and practise synthesising a wide body of research when assessing environmental theory and practice. Demand for such skills keeps growing as the world tries to balance resource use with environmental protection.
All 60 credits are at 600 level. Students take one 20-credit course from a choice of three: resource studies theory, environmental policy and planning, or Mana Kaitiaki (Māori resource management), with the resource studies theory course compulsory for on-campus students. At least three further courses come from environmental studies, law, Māori studies, ecology or water subjects, and one elective from the wider schedule is allowed. The Academic Coordinator approves course choices so that the programme holds together.
The university offers the certificate on campus and fully online, though the online course range is narrower and the online version is not open to international students already in New Zealand. It can be taken as a standalone qualification or as a first step towards the Master of Applied Science (Environmental Management), Master of Planning or Master of Environmental Policy and Management, in which case courses should be chosen with that degree's rules in mind.
Entry requirements
- A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent, with at least a B- average in 300-level and final-year courses
- Additional English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
What you study
- ERST 601 Advanced Theory in Resource Studies (compulsory on campus)
- ERST 630 Environmental Policy and Planning
- MAST 603 Mana Kaitiaki (Māori Resource Management)
- ERST 621 Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment
- ERST 631 Environmental Sciences in Environmental Policy
- ERST 632 Economics in Environmental Policy
- LWST 602 Advanced Resource Management and Planning Law
- ERST 620 Advanced Environmental Management Systems
- ERST 633 Integrated Environmental Management
Careers after graduation
- Pathway to the Master of Applied Science (Environmental Management)
- Pathway to the Master of Planning or Master of Environmental Policy and Management
- Work that balances resource use with environmental protection
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification alone
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