Environmental Management (Level 4)

Graduating students may be able to undertake entry level/assistant environmental type positions in the following areas:

• Regional or local authorities
• Environmental monitoring/testing
• Relevant government departments
• Farming industry

Students may also progress to higher level study such as the Bachelor of Environmental Management at SIT.

Applicants should demonstrate a likelihood of success in the programme of study. Likelihood of success may be demonstrated through a variety of means, including: relevant work experience, Curriculum Vitae, letter of intent, achievement of NCEA in environmental management related or science related standards, or an interview.

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Environmental Management).

For Levels 3 to 4:

To be admitted to this programme all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date the programme starts, and meet one of the following requirements:

i. NCEA Level 2

ii. 60 credits at Level 2 or above, plus

iii. 20 credits from any level, and

iv. Literacy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, through either:

o specified assessment standards available through a range of subject and English for Academic Purposes unit standards 22750 and 22751 (minimum total of 10 credits); or

o unit standards – package of three literacy unit standards (26622, 26624, 26625 – all three required).

v. Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:

o achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or

o unit standards – package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).

Special Admission 

Applicants who have attained the age of 20 years on or before the first day of the intake in which study for the programme is to commence and who do not meet the general admission requirements stated above and who believe that they have the level of preparedness for study at this level may apply for special admission. 

In assessing whether to grant special admission the primary focus will be on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate a likelihood to succeed in the programme. 

All decisions will be at the discretion of the Relevant Academic Authority.

English Language Entry Criteria

All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.

International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as outlined in the table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes for international students from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Ākonga webpage.

All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary language literacy proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of: 

• 10 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:

Applicants who are unable to provide evidence of the above may be required to demonstrate capability using an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

Selection Criteria

Right of entry into programmes of study is restricted by SIT and apparent eligibility may not lead to automatic acceptance. Applicants must demonstrate attributes, which in the assessment of SIT should lead to success.

Where SIT is satisfied that it is necessary to do so because of insufficiency of staff, accommodation, or equipment it may determine the maximum number of students who may be enrolled in a particular course of study.  Where the number of applications for enrolment exceeds the number of places in any case where such a limitation applies, the criteria for selection shall be academic merit and suitability for admission to that course of study. Eligible students not admitted to their chosen course of study will be placed on a waiting list and/or may be referred to another programme. Applications should be received by SIT no later than the applications due date. Late applications may be considered, subject to availability of places.

Applicants may be required to attend an interview, or if they live at some distance from the campus, complete a telephone interview (must produce copies of applicable certificates/evidence of prior achievements before interviews). 

The Head of Faculty (or delegate) will determine the maximum number of students permitted to enrol in the programme. All enrolments are approved at the discretion of the Programme Operations Manager in consultation with the Head of Faculty (or delegate) and teaching staff, as required.

Suggested Study Path/Combinations

Part time study is recommended for this qualification. The number of credits selected per intake should depend on work, family, and other commitments. Students must complete papers in the order that they are listed on the website. The content of ENV401 deals with the core, fundamental aspects of how New Zealand was formed and acts as a foundation for all other papers.

The following part time study paths are guides only; students may do fewer or more papers, time permitting:

Full time study

Full time study is completing all 60 credits in one intake. However, due to the intensive workload of the programme we do not recommend that students enrol in more than 48 credits per intake. Full time acceptance into the programme is at the Programme Manager's discretion.

Additional information

As a guideline, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours study within an intake period

All papers selected within a particular intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is requested (conditions apply; see FAQs).

Online enrolments are on a year by year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment. Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students. There is no automatic enrolment rollover.

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.

Facilitator Assistance: During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only). All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study. Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the second week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme. Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

All students will get an official academic transcript on successful completion of their programme of study which will be posted or given at Graduation.  After each intake is finished, it is suggested that students check their results on MySIT.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.

Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with.  Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.

• I have read all sections of the Programme Information on this page
• I have read the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions section
• I have met all admission criteria for the programme (found under Application Criteria)
• I have met all the criteria for individual papers (found under Course Content).
• I have selected the paper(s) I wish to study
• I have selected intake(s) (I have selected alternate intakes rather than overlapping intakes)
• I know my intended payment method
• If my organisation/company is paying for my studies, I have a completed and approved purchase order to attach to my online application.
•  I am aware that should my organisation or company not pay my fees, these will become my responsibility.

New students - I have provided an active NSN in the name I am enrolling in or I have verified ID and will attach it to my online application.

New students - I will attach academic documentation (NZQA record of achievement/academic transcripts/certificates) These do not need to be verified. (If you do not have any academic documentation to support your application, please attach a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience).

I have computer access, an Internet connection and access to software to create electronic documents e.g. Microsoft Word or Open Office

What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

• The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees. However, there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay. The administration fee is for processing your application and the Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard® our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.

Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?

• A New Zealand citizen completing the full qualification or
• An Australian citizen/New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident who will be residing in New Zealand for the duration of your enrolment.

Instructions to help you with your application:

• Read the Programme Information on this page and the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions and find out if you meet the application criteria for both the programme and the unit/s you wish to study
• Check your eligibility for Zero Fees. If you are not eligible to study under this scheme, please call 0800 748 257 for further options.

Complete your online enrolment checking that:

• If you are a new student ...
• Provide an active NSN number in the name you are enrolling in (contact NZQA on 0800 697 296 to get your NSN number if you do not know it). If you do not have an active NSN, then attach a copy of your verified ID in the name you are enrolling in.
• If you are a Resident or Permanent resident of NZ, please provide a copy of proof of residency;
• Attach all academic documentation to support your application including copies of any certificates of courses you have undertaken / NZQA record of achievement / transcripts / CV
• Attach supporting documents as required and outlined on the previous page.
• Please check that you have included all the required information and supporting documents.
• Your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide.
• Missing information will delay the processing of your application. Please scan and email all additional documentation to sit2lrn@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

• You will receive an automatic email confirmation when we receive your online application. Processing may take up to three weeks. However, we will get in touch with you sooner if we require further documentation.
• Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a conditional offer of acceptance with an invoice and instructions on how to make payment.
• Once we have received your payment (or if you have opted to pay by Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order) you will be sent an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet. Closer to the start of the intake you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter which will give you all the necessary information, tools and guidance to start your study with us.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Environmental Management, and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

• A minimum of 60 credits in accordance with the programme schedule for the Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Environmental Management)
• The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Environmental Management) full-time over six months or part-time over two years

Please note: students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit zero fees entitlement.

Successful completion of this programme will enable you to progress to higher levels of tertiary training including the Bachelor of Environmental Management at SIT's Invercargill campus.

A variety of assessment techniques may be employed, including:

a) Assignment

An assignment may include:

• Practical exercise – showing their learning through practice
• Written description/evaluation/essay – helping learners to research, prepare and present written information.
• Investigation and written report

b) Test

A test may be any of the following:

• An in-class written test in response to specific questions or requirements forming a small part of the overall assessment
• An oral response to questions/requirements prepared by the tutor.

c) Presentation

A presentation to the class group, or other group, may be required for several reasons e.g.;

• To explain the results of a study
• To assess presentation and English language skills
• To help learners gain confidence

d) Discussion

Learners may be assessed on their participation and contribution to the group.

e) Research Project

Examples of projects may include research and investigations carried out within a field of interest. Learners will relate their findings to their own ideas and theories about the topic.

f) Group Projects

Provides learners with the opportunity to pool their knowledge and work together towards an assessment outcome. Learners will be required to use skills in interpersonal communication, teamwork, group process and collaborative practice to contribute and participate within the group context.