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Academic level: Level 7
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Programme credits: 120 Credits
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Delivery method: Online study
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Programme cost:$5,340 NZ Domestic
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Student loan - AvailableStudent loans and eligibility
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Time limit: Maximum completion timeWithin 6 years of your first enrolment
Gain an advanced knowledge of environmental policy and management with our Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Management (Level 7).
Qualification update
New learners
OP7214 Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Management is closed to new learners.
For information on available programmes, go to: https://www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz/qualifications-and-courses/
Update for re-enrolling learners
Learners who were already enrolled in OP7214 Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Management up to, and including, August 2025, can continue to re-enrol and complete their qualification. Learners who have completed OP7213 Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Management can also enrol in OP7214 Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Management.
Completing your programme
Please note, to be awarded this qualification, you must complete all courses for the programme within 6 years or your first enrolment. If you need more time due to exceptional circumstances, please contact us.
See the table below for the last dates we will offer environment courses in your programme.
| Course availability | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | |||||
| 72397 Environmental Studies Research Paper (40 credits) | February | February | February | February | February |
| Elective section (select four courses with a least two at Level 7) | |||||
| 72292 Resource Management Act and Local Government Act (20 credits) | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered |
| 72293 Conservation and Natural Resources Law (20 credits) | June | June | June | June | Not offered |
| 72294 Environmental Monitoring and Reporting (20 credits) | June | June | June | June | Not offered |
| 72296 Environmental Impact Assessment (20 credits) | February | February | February | February | Not offered |
| 73213 Research Methods and Interpretation (20 credits) | February & June & October | February & June & October | February & June & October | February & June & October | February & June & October |
| 72392 Environmental Management Systems and Strategies (20 credits) | October | October | October | October | October |
| 72395 Environment and the Economy (20 credits) | February & June | February & June | February & June | February & June | February & June |
| 72396 Environmental Perspectives and the Media (20 credits) | June | June | June | June | June |
This Graduate Diploma is for people with an existing degree or five years’ or more experience in the environmental field.
If you have successfully completed the Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Applied Science (Environment major) you are unable to enrol in this programme.
If you have any questions, or want to discuss your eligibility to enrol in this programme please get in touch.
Career opportunities
With this qualification you will be able to work in a range of environmental areas. It will prepare you for a career:
- in central or local government as a planner or enforcement officer
- working with public interest groups, iwi and runanga resource managers
- in environmental management positions in the private sector.
What you will learn
When you achieve this qualification you will be able to:
- plan and conduct activities in a variety of environmental work streams
- communicate complex environmental ideas and information in a professional way
- apply integrated resource management solutions to a diverse range of complex environmental problems.
Recognising your previous learning
You may be able to gain credits towards this qualification if you have:
- relevant work experience
- an environment qualification or one in a relevant area.
Learn more about recognising previous study or experience
Not sure what to study? Our Student Advisors can help you choose a qualification and plan your study so you can reach your goals.
Get help to plan your study
Get in touch on freephone 0508 650 200 or CustomerServices@openpolytechnic.ac.nz.
