About the programme
The Postgraduate Diploma in Land and Society is an NZQF level 8 programme at Lincoln University whose graduates gain an advanced, in-depth understanding of how people and societies interact with physical and natural environments. It carries 120 credits and takes 1 year of full-time study.
The way societies relate to their environment largely shapes the quality and character of people's lives. The programme builds a multidisciplinary grasp of the theories and practical methods used to assess these interactions. Students broaden their knowledge of socio-physical phenomena and learn to evaluate information critically and communicate their conclusions clearly.
Compared with the certificate of the same name, the diploma offers deeper research training: students develop quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, learn to design and carry out advanced research, and tackle both theoretical and real-world problems.
The study plan includes a compulsory course in resource studies theory, one social science research methods course (quantitative or qualitative) and two courses from a list covering Mana Kaitiaki (Māori resource management), the social psychology of wellbeing and environmental impact assessment. Up to 40 further credits can come from 600-level courses in the wider schedule, with the Academic Coordinator's approval to keep the programme coherent. The diploma can be taken as a standalone qualification or used as a step towards a master's degree. It is taught on the Lincoln University campus.
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)
- SOCI 601 Social Science Research Methods (Quantitative) or SOCI 602 (Qualitative)
- MAST 603 Mana Kaitiaki (Māori Resource Management)
- PSYC 602 Advanced Social Psychology of Wellbeing
- ERST 621 Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment
- Up to 40 credits of approved 600-level electives
Careers after graduation
- Research at the interface of society and the environment
- Solving practical problems in land use and human–environment relations
- Further study at master's level
Post-study work visa
About 1 year
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