Finding creative ways to save the planet.
From climate change and deforestation to soil erosion and species losses, the world seems plagued by a catalogue of disasters that no-one can stop. The good news is more and more people are on the case. Environmental Management is about coordinating these efforts – investigating problems, developing solutions, and working in multidisciplinary teams to get things done.
Otago’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) in Environmental Management teaches you about the science of environmental systems and problems. It covers the wider social, economic and political context, including the requirements of environmental legislation. Environmental Management gives you skills and knowledge to find creative responses to environmental challenges.
No new enrolments will be accepted for the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) from 2024.
The University has developed a proposal to transfer the Environmental Management major subject option from the BAppSc to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, as well as the BASc and BComSc combined degrees. This proposal is awaiting final approval, which is expected soon.
AskOtago is available to help with any course advice enquiries:
Contact AskOtago
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.
Background required
Students from a range of backgrounds are welcome to study for Otago’s BAppSc in Environmental Management. You’ll need an interest in environmental matters, and preferably a solid science grounding to Year-13 Level.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Applied Science* (BAppSc)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
- Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons))
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (PGDipAppSc)
- Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
*It is a requirement that every Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) normally includes an approved minor subject or an approved second major subject. Usually such a minor or second major subject must be selected from the approved combinations of major subjects with minor or second major subjects. Some exceptions may apply. For details see:
Full list of available approved minor and second major subject areas
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) majoring in Environmental Management
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | ENVI 111 Environment and Society GEOG 101 Physical Geography GEOG 102 Geographies of Sustainable Futures One of: | 18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | GEOG 216 Environmental Management: Principles and Values GEOG 201 Field Research Methods Two of GEOG 281, GEOG 282, GEOG 283, GEOG 284, GEOG 286, GEOG 287, GEOG 288, GEOG 289, GEOG 298, GEOG 299 | 18 18 36 |
| 300-level | GEOG 301 Field Research Studies GEOG 397 Environmental Management: Policy and Practice Two of GEOG 387, GEOG 388, GEOG 389, GEOG 390, GEOG 392, GEOG 393, GEOG 394, GEOG 395, GEOG 398, GEOG 399 | 18 18 36 |
144 further points, including either requirements for an approved minor or approved second major subject or other approved papers | 144 | |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons)) in Environmental Management
| Papers |
|---|
Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Environmental Management
| Papers |
|---|
Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Management
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
Minor subject requirements
Environmental Management as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level |
ENVI 111 Environment and Society GEOG 101 Physical Geography |
18 18 |
| 200-level | GEOG 216 Environmental Management: Principles and Values | 18 |
| 300-level |
GEOG 397 Environmental Management: Policy and Practice One of GEOG 281, GEOG 282, GEOG 283, GEOG 284, GEOG 285, GEOG 286, GEOG 287, GEOG 288, GEOG 289, GEOG 298, GEOG 299, GEOG 387, GEOG 388, GEOG 389, GEOG 390, GEOG 392, GEOG 393, GEOG 394, GEOG 395, GEOG 398, GEOG 399 |
18 18 |
| Total | 90 |
Key information for future students
Contact us
Associate Professor Mike Hilton
Applied Science Programme
Tel +64 3 479 8778
Email michael.hilton@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/sciences/departments-programmes/majors.html
