Environmental Sustainability – Master of Sustainable Development Goals

Massey University

New Zealand, Palmerston North

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Massey University

New Zealand , Palmerston North

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMay-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

NZD 56,220 / year

Next Intake May-2026

Environmental Sustainability – Master of Sustainable Development Goals

About

Specialise in Environmental Sustainability for your Master of Sustainable Development Goals at Massey

The Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Environmental Sustainability) is a 180-credit taught degree focusing on the theory and practice of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The qualification addresses the most pressing imperative facing humanity and the planet: sustainability. This degree is unique in Australasia.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

The SDGs are the UN’s ambitious macro-level plan for humankind’s development and sustainability. The goals address global challenges including those related to poverty and inequality, climate and environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice.

Follow your interests

You’ll take 2 core courses in sustainable development. The first will introduce you to theories of sustainable development and the SDGs. The second will focus on multi-disciplinary frameworks. They will also focus on how to measure progress against the SDGs, as well as paradigms of indigenous knowledge and practice in the field of sustainability.

Then, you’ll take courses related to your subject of environmental sustainability. These practical taught courses focus on you as a practitioner, working in an area related to environmental sustainability. The courses cover topics such as environmental management principles and practice, environmental policy, land system science and zero waste.

Real-world experience

The final component of your degree is a student practicum during which you will work in a relevant organisation and gain experience in the implementation of the SDGs. If relevant and viable, you may be able to complete your practicum in your current place of work. Alternatively, you may choose another organisation or ask the Massey staff to help you find an appropriate agency for your practicum. International students can choose to stay and complete their practicum in New Zealand, or travel back to their home country and complete it there.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

To enter the Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Environmental Sustainability) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a grade average of at least B in the highest level courses.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Massey University English language requirements.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

English Program Requirements

English Evidence Academic IELTS^: 6.5 overall and minimum 6.0 in each band

English Evidence TOEFL iBT: Overall score 90, minimum 20 in Writing

English Evidence Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58 overall and minimum 50 in each communicative skills

Career

The challenge of achieving the SDGs requires a new genre of professionals, who can confront dynamic and complex problems with innovation, creativity and inclusivity.

Increasingly, civil society, government and the private sector will require people willing and able to work in ways that are true to the collaborative and inclusive aspirations of the global SDGs. These emphasise the importance of understanding content and context, the ability to embrace a diverse range of knowledge frameworks (mainstream, alternative and Indigenous) and the skills of measuring and monitoring progress towards the SDGs.

There is strong demand in the global marketplace for workers with the skills to translate, implement, monitor and report on the SDGs. In addition, sustainability positions, such as Sustainability Directors, Managers and Advisors are being appointed at record rates.

The SDGs are already facing challenges. How are the goals’ macro-level aspirations, collected through multiple rounds of global consultation, translated into everyday community settings such as: