Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Management

Summary

The Master of Science (MSc) is a two-year degree which encompasses both coursework and research. The first year involves mainly coursework and preliminary research preparation. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas.

Why study Environmental Management?

As an Environmental Management graduate, you’ll work with decision-makers, governments, and large businesses, making a practical contribution to addressing environmental problems in New Zealand and overseas.

By studying Environmental Management you’ll gain a comprehensive and flexible qualification. The course will develop a wide range of research, analysis, communication and computing skills, and prepare you to take advantage of the numerous career pathways in Environmental Management.

Career opportunities

Environmental Management skills are in demand around the world. In New Zealand, Environmental Management has been given an enormous boost as a career option with the introduction of some major pieces of legislation, in particular the Resource Management Act, the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, and the Biosecurity Act. And there are plenty of opportunities to practise overseas, as long as you familiarize yourself with the local statutory requirements.

Many large companies now employ Environmental Management staff to work directly with their other staff, and to deal with local and central government. Those with overseas operations will need personnel with an international perspective in their training, something emphasised in the Otago course.

Many export companies now need environmental accreditation in order to secure markets in Europe, Japan, North America and elsewhere. Helping companies meet the requirements of such accreditation and certification schemes will be a major employment opportunity in coming years.

There is now a very large environmental consulting sector, contracting to private and public sector organisations. This kind of work tends to have plenty of variety, not to mention opportunities for travel.

There is always high demand in this area for graduates with a thorough understanding of the new environmental management scene backed up by specific scientific skills.

Duration of the Programme

A candidate achieving the degree by papers and a thesis shall normally follow a programme for the equivalent of not less than two years of full-time study and not more than three years of full-time study, and a candidate achieving the degree by thesis alone shall normally follow a programme of study for the equivalent of not less than one year of full-time study and not more than two years of full-time study. Exceptions shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).