Postgraduate Diploma in Planning

Program Overview

Massey University's Postgraduate Diploma in Planning (PGDipPlan) equips students with the skills and knowledge to shape the built and natural environments. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and a focus on both urban and environmental planning. Graduates are prepared for careers in planning, policy making, and related fields, and the diploma serves as a pathway to the Master of Resource and Environmental Planning (MREPl).

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Massey's Postgraduate Diploma in Planning (PGDipPlan) equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to shape the places where we live, work, and play.

You'll become a well-rounded professional capable of working in a variety of planning environments, with a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Key aspects of the PGDipPlan:

• Focus: Managing both the natural and urban environment.
• Career Focus: Prepares you for a career in planning, policy making, economic development, nature conservation, or international development.
• Pathway: Serves as a stepping stone towards the internationally recognized Master of Resource and Environmental Planning (MREPl).

Outline:

Structure:

• Full-time: 1 year (120 credits)
• Part-time: Up to 4 years

Compulsory Courses:

• at least 30 credits
• Planning Law (30 credits)
• Planning Theory (30 credits)
• Professional Practice (30 credits)

Elective Courses:

• Up to 90 credits from Schedule B, including:
• Mana Taiao: Advanced Māori Planning (30 credits)
• Policy Analysis and Evaluation Techniques (30 credits)
• Urban Planning and Development (30 credits)
• Natural Resource Policy and Planning (30 credits)
• Long-Term Community Planning (30 credits)
• Planning History: From Town Planning to Resource Management (30 credits)
• Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities (30 credits)
• GIS Principles and Applications (30 credits)

Careers:

Graduates of the PGDipPlan find careers in diverse fields including:

• City/district councils
• Regional councils
• Central government agencies (e.g., Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation)
• Private consulting firms
• International humanitarian and aid organizations
• NGOs (non-governmental organizations)

Other:

• The program is offered entirely online, allowing for flexible study while balancing work and personal commitments.
• The PGDipPlan is recognized by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) as meeting the educational requirements for membership.
• Graduates of the PGDipPlan are eligible to apply for the Master of Resource and Environmental Planning (MREPl) program.