Environmental Management (Level 4)

Are you looking for a career shift or thinking about moving into further study in environmental or conservation work? Our introductory Environmental Management papers are a great place to start. These 15-credit courses cover everything from New Zealand’s unique ecosystems and conservation approaches to environmental law and resource management. You’ll learn about marine, freshwater, and land-based environments, explore real-world conservation issues, and discover the study and career pathways that could take you into this rewarding field. Whether you're new to the subject or ready to take the next step, these papers are designed to support your journey.

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SIT Online
Campus
SIT Online
Qualification
Certificate
Level
4
Credits
60
Duration

17 weeks full-time

Up to two years part-time

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$8.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

$100 per credit (incl. GST). See International.

Course Outline

Do you have a keen interest in the environment? Are you looking to develop the skills needed to help sustainably manage natural resources and address a wide variety of environmental problems? Do you want to pursue a new career pathway that deals with conservation, our natural resources, as well as environmental law? The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Environmental Management) programme may be what you've been searching for.

 

Core subject matter involved in the programme centres around the following information:

  • Introduction to ecology and conservation
  • Conservation management
  • Resource management and environmental law
  • Marine and freshwater ecology
  • Environmental Management careers

The aims of the qualification are as follows:

  • Provide people with the academic skills, capabilities, knowledge and attributes needed to prepare for higher level education or employment in environmental management.
  • Assist to pursue further qualifications in their chosen field of study or employment pathway at New Zealand Qualifications Framework Level 5 or above.
  • The qualification acknowledges the primacy of Treaty of Waitangi in programme design and delivery
Course Content

ENV401 Introduction to Ecology and Conservation (15 credits)

This paper offers an introductory understanding of ecological and biological principles essential to environmental management in New Zealand. It also delves into related study and career opportunities in entry-level Environmental Management fields. On completion of this paper the student will be able to: 

  1. Describe and explain the geological and biological origins of Aotearoa New Zealand. 
  2. Analyse and describe conservation principles at work in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand in the context of their characteristics and governance. 
  3. Compare and critique different conservation philosophies in Aotearoa New Zealand. 
  4. Develop and critique a career/study plan focusing on Aotearoa New Zealand ecology and/or conservation management, with respect to the qualities, skills, strengths, and education pathways that may lead to these careers/studies.

ENV402 Marine Ecology and Freshwater Ecology (15 credits)

This paper will provide students with a basic understanding of marine and freshwater ecology, conservation philosophies, and the ecological factors that characterize marine, fluvial, and lacustrine environments, as well as related study and career opportunities in these fields. On completion of this paper the student will be able to: 

  1. Describe and explain the geological and biological origins of marine and freshwater ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand. 
  2. Analyse and describe ecological principles at work in marine and freshwater ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand. 
  3. Develop a career/study plan focusing on Aotearoa New Zealand ecology and/or conservation management in the context of marine and freshwater ecology. 
  4. Describe the environmental impacts of the history of settlement on marine and freshwater ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand.

EVN403 Resource Management and Environmental Law (15 credits)

This paper introduces students to the concepts, principles, and applications of environmental law, its historical and current context, the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi on resource management and the legislation that governs environmental management in New Zealand. On completion of this paper, the student will be able to: 

  1. Outline the history of resource management and environmental law in New Zealand. 
  2. Explore and discuss current environmental legislation in New Zealand with particular regard to the Resource Management Act (1991) and amendments. 
  3. Explain the articles of the Treaty of Waitangi and their implications to resource management at both local and central government levels. 
  4. Identify potential careers with a focus on resource management and environmental law and map the types of qualifications which may lead to these careers.

ENV404 Conservation Management (15 credits)

This paper introduces students to problems and challenges associated with conservation management in New Zealand. On completion of this paper, the student will be able to: 

  1. Define conservation, including conservation history and articulate own philosophy of nature conservation and sustainable development. 
  2. Explain the role of government organisations, such as the Department of Conservation, and non-government organisations, such as the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, in conservation management in New Zealand. 
  3. Discuss the role and approaches of Mana Whenua in conservation in New Zealand. 
  4. Identify potential careers with a focus on conservation management and map the types of qualifications which may lead to these careers.
Career Opportunities

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.

Application Criteria

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.

Qualification Pathways

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.

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