About the programme
The Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Planning with Honours is a four-year NZQF Level 8 honours degree at Lincoln University that prepares specialists in urban and regional planning and environmental policy. It carries 480 credits and takes 4 years of full-time study on the Lincoln University campus.
Environmental planning is changing quickly in response to social shifts, climate issues and economic priorities. The degree combines practice and theory with specialist knowledge of physical and ecological sciences, risk and resilience, the Treaty of Waitangi, resource management and planning law. Students explore how gender, culture, ethnicity and equity shape environmental policy, work with people seeking permission to carry out or change activities, prepare plans and strategies, and learn to make evidence-based decisions in multidisciplinary settings. Students highlight field trips and the real-world application of courses.
The first three years cover government and public policy, society and environment, research methods, environmental monitoring, Māori planning, urban and regional planning principles, environmental planning and policy, risk and resilience and professional practice. Year four is at 600 level: advanced urban, regional and resource planning, a group case study, advanced resource management and planning law, a research placement or essay, and electives. Progression to 600-level courses requires a B+ average in the compulsory 300-level courses.
The degree is accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI), so students can join as student members from the start and later work towards accredited membership.
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; agriculture, biology, chemistry, computing, economics, history, Māori studies, maths and tourism are also useful.
- For 600-level study: a B+ average in compulsory 300-level courses and normally B+ or better in Professional Practice (SOCI 314), including a pass in its group work component.
What you study
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi)
- Introduction to New Zealand Government and Public Policy
- Whakatakoto Kaupapa (Māori Planning and Development)
- Principles of Urban and Regional Planning
- Environmental Planning and Environmental Policy
- Risk and Resilience
- Professional Practice
- Advanced Urban, Regional and Resource Planning
- Advanced Resource Management and Planning Law
- Group Case Study and Research Placement or Research Essay
Careers after graduation
- Environmental planner
- Policy planner
- Planning roles in city, district and regional councils
- Central government roles
- Private sector planning
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
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