Master of Environmental Planning

Summary

The Master of Environmental Planning (MEP) is a postgraduate degree designed for students aiming for a professional career (taught Masters) or as a pathway to doctoral studies (research Masters).

During your Master of Environmental Planning (MEP), you'll develop your knowledge and skills relating to both the theory and practical applications of planning.

Our comprehensive MEP taught programme (180 points) is open to graduates from a full range of bachelor's degrees, including subjects related to social sciences or sciences. The taught MEP is comprised of taught papers only meaning that you can improve your career prospects or switch your focus and potential earnings regardless of your previous academic experiences. You will gain all the required foundational knowledge and skills to pursue a career in planning in New Zealand or overseas.

Alternatively, you can enrol in a 120 points research Master of Environmental Planning which gives you the opportunity to engage in independent (supervised) research in a wide range of interdisciplinary planning topics (e.g., climate change adaptation, green infrastructure, housing, heritage, population and urbanisation growth, Indigenous planning, resilience to natural hazards, biodiversity conservation), providing you with a gateway to a higher research degree.

Collaboration with Planning Professionals

During the MEP programme, you'll learn from guest lecturers, attend workshops and enjoy field trips where a range of professionals share their expertise. The Environmental Planning programme has enjoyed longstanding and active links with these professionals.

The teaching staff are connected with relevant networks such as the New Zealand Planning Institute, City and Regional Councils, central government agencies, and private consultants. Collaboration is encouraged and the MEP helps build close relations between Programme members and employers, whether they be in environmental agencies or resource-use industries. These links help with addressing practical environmental problems.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates work across a wide range of public and private organisations, including:

• Resource management and development consultancies - Aotearoa and abroad
• Local councils and national government agencies
• Iwi and hapū organisations
• Environmental or heritage conservation groups
• Urban strategy and design consultancies
• Transport planning organisations
• Housing authorities