Course details

Master of Sustainable Practice
NZQF Level 9

About the course

The Master of Sustainable Practice is designed for individuals who seek to lead innovative problem solving in sustainable practice. It culminates with a 60-credit applied research dissertation. Across the range of core, project and applied research components, you'll gain advanced interdisciplinary skills and knowledge that will enable you to: critically evaluate and apply concepts of sustainable practice; work independently and collaboratively; and become a change-maker contributing to sustainable practice. You'll also develop and apply advanced understandings of the theories, driving forces and worldviews (including Te Ao Māori) related to sustainable practice within the context of your discipline-specific knowledge. The programme facilitates collaboration and innovation and applies an interdisciplinary framework to address complex sustainability problems. Upon completion of the programme you will be able to: advocate for, and lead change towards, more sustainable practices; apply high level research skills to plan and conduct independent inquiry projects related to sustainability in professional contexts; and be an independent learner who can utilise and undertake research to formulate solutions to sustainability issues. Part-time up to 4 years.

Entry requirements

What if English is not my first Language? Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic 6.0 Listening 6.0 Reading 6.0 Writing 6.0 Speaking If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart. If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment. If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country. IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test. What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance? You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills. Admission is based on the evaluation of documentary evidence (including the academic record) of the applicant's ability to undertake postgraduate study in this subject area. A Bachelor's degree followed by relevant work or professional experience, or a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant subject area, or a Bachelor Honours degree.

About the provider

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.

Video