Course details

Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies
NZQF Level 7

About the course

Study the environment and turn your passion for the environment into a meaningful career. The Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies is designed for ākonga who already hold a degree in another discipline and wish to transition into the environmental field or upskill with applied environmental knowledge. This one-year, full-time (or part-time equivalent) programme offers a focused suite of courses that combine theory, practical skills, and real-world application.

Programme Outline

The Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies is a 120-credit, Level 7 programme designed to support flexible, individualised learning pathways. Each learner’s programme of study is developed in collaboration with the programme team to reflect their academic background, interests, and career goals. While a minimum of 75 credits must be at Level 7 (and include the scientific research course), the remaining credits may be selected from relevant courses at Level 5 and Level 6.

Subject Areas include:

  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • Biosecurity
  • Ecological Restoration
  • Applied Field Surveying
  • Flora and fauna of Aotearoa
  • Enviromental Sampling and Monitoring
  • Soil Science
  • Sustainability 101
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Scientific Research Project
  • Freshwater Ecology and Monitoring

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements


A personal interview is available as part of the application process.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Successful completion of a three-year degree of equivalent qualification; or

• Applicants from industry who can demonstrate evidence of significant work and professional experience at degree level of above. These applicants will be required to participate in an interview prior to acceptance into the programme.

English Language Entry Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. If English is not your first language you are required to have an acceptable level of English fluency.

This may be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including:

• Successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply)

• Completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 5 with any endorsement)

• IELTS Academic score of 6.0, with no band score lower than 5.5, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment

• International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA

Entry with Credit

This is particularly relevant for prospective students who have extensive work experience. For all endorsements Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available. A maximum of 45 credits from other programmes can be cross credited towards the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies. Credit transfer cannot be made from the qualifying degree.

• Cross Credit (CC) is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.

• RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills. You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.

• There is a fee for RPL.

You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like to be considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.

RPL and CC cannot be awarded for a course if you are already enrolled in that course. An original transcript or notice of results from the institute at which you previously studied (or verified copies) will be required for all applications.

For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact the Programme Coordinator, Lisa Turnbull, on 06 830 1879 or [email protected].

About the provider

The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) offers you over 160 qualifications from certificate and diploma, to degree and postgraduate level at campuses in Hawke's Bay, Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) and Auckland. Or learn at one of our Regional Learning Centres situated in Hastings, Maraenui, Ruatoria, Waipukurau and Wairoa. EIT Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's most attractive campuses with superb architecture and shaded outdoor areas for study on warm days. EIT Tairāwhiti two campuses are located in the heart of Gisborne, near the Taruheru River, and you can get more central than EIT Auckland location on Queen Street! When you choose to study at EIT you'll get the kind of experiences that will help you gain the knowledge and skills to get ahead, whether you want to break into your chosen career or change direction in life.

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