Program Overview

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Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning – BRP

The Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning (BRP) is a unique degree that combines urban and natural resource planning. This qualification has a strong focus on creating sustainable and resilient communities.

Overview

With Massey’s Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning, you can contribute to shaping the future of liveable cities and regions, ensuring sustainable use of resources. A planning profession is a future-focused discipline that deals with the natural and human dimensions of the world around us.

Type of Qualification

• Bachelor's degree
• Undergraduate study
• NZQF level 7

Time to Complete

• 4 years full-time (480 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Distance and online
• Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

International Students

• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning – BRP

Massey’s Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning (BRP) is a unique degree that combines urban and natural resource planning. You’ll study core planning courses and take a minor in a related subject that meets your particular interests and aspirations.

Graduate with Honours

If you achieve high enough grades in the compulsory second-, third- and fourth-year planning courses, you’ll graduate with honours.

Flexible Study

Massey’s BRP is the first undergraduate professional planning degree in New Zealand and Australia that you can study by distance.

Build Your Career Skills

This qualification has a strong focus on creating sustainable and resilient communities. You’ll develop interpersonal, communication, ethical, and conflict resolution skills essential for working in teams of diverse professionals.

Enjoy an Established Environment of Excellence

For 35 years, the Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning has been led by our faculty of passionate staff. It has a vibrant social scene connecting current students with graduates. Massey is renowned for providing an excellent, practical planning education.

A BRP is a Good Fit if You

• Want an accessible professional planning qualification
• Want to make your city or region a better place for future generations
• Are interested in sustainable development

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Specific Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.

English Language Requirements

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

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions:

• Review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• Contact us through the provided channels if you have any questions

English Language Skills

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

Recommended Prior Learning

Working as a planner will involve a wide range of skills and knowledge from many subject areas. While subjects such as geography have direct links to planning, a number of other subjects may also be useful.

Structure of the Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning

The Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part before moving to the second, etc. There are four parts in total.

Specialisations

Your specialisation in the BRP is called a minor. Completing a minor is compulsory. The available minors are:

• Ecology
• Economics
• Geography
• Management
• Māori Studies
• Property Management

Typical Pattern for the Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning

• Year one: Planning core course, Planning core course, Planning core course, Planning core course, Minor course, Minor course, Planning/Elective, Planning/Elective
• Year two: Planning core course, Policy core course, Planning core course, Planning core course, Te Tiriti core course, Minor course, Minor course, Minor course
• Year three: Planning core course, Planning core course, Planning core course, Planning core course, Planning core course, Planning core course, Planning/Elective course, Minor course
• Year four: Planning core course, 30 credits, Planning core course, Planning core course, Planning core course, Planning core course, Minor course, Minor course

Courses and Specialisations

Schedule A: Compulsory Planning Courses

• Part One: Choose 60 credits from Introduction to Planning Analytics, Introduction to Urban Planning, Oranga Taiao, Oranga Tangata: Introduction to Environmental Planning, Planning in the Anthropocene: Imagining Sustainable Futures in Times of Uncertainty and Change
• Part Two: Choose 75 credits from Planning Practice, Planning Hazard and Climate-Resilient Communities, Working With Geographic Data, Te Kawenata o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand Society, Political Power in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Part Three: Choose 90 credits from Tūhono Taiao: Foundations in Māori Planning, Reframing Human-Nature Relationships in Environmental Planning, Planning Healthy Futures Studio, Planning Theory, Environmental and Planning Law in Aotearoa New Zealand, Collaborative Planning, Communities and Public Conflict
• Part Four: Choose 90 credits from Mauri Ora: Co-Planning for a Flourishing World, Planning Project, Advanced Planning Practice, Urban Planning & Design for Sustainable Transport, Professional Practice Studio

Schedule B: Minors

• Ecology
• Economics
• Geography
• Management
• Māori Studies
• Property Management

Schedule C: Elective Planning Courses

• Society, Environment and Place
• He Tirohanga Taketake: Māori Perspectives
• The Sociological Imagination
• Principles of Economic Policy
• Politics Unveiled: Who decides?
• Media Skills
• Tūrangawaewae: Identity & Belonging in Aotearoa NZ
• Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry
• Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking
• Te Reo Whakahoahoa: Socialising in Te Reo
• Te Reo Kōnakinaki: Developing Te Reo

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $8,761
• International students: $45,580

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees. The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

• He Oha Puiaki - Massey University Māori First Year Scholarship
• Ken and Elizabeth Powell Scholarship
• Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
• Mercury NZ Renewable Energy Scholarship
• Sumner Ferrymead Foundation Humanities Scholarship
• The QEII Athol Patterson Bursary

Careers and Job Opportunities

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning, you will find jobs quickly. On average, you can earn around $60,000 in your first year of employment. You can take on a variety of roles such as:

• Resource consent planners/officers
• Urban planners
• Environmental planners
• Transport planners
• Urban designers
• Policy analysts

You can work in a variety of professional and applied environments, including:

• City/district councils
• Regional councils
• Central government
• Private consulting firms and corporates
• Environmental and other non-governmental organisations

What Our Students Say

“I secured my graduate job in October, before I completed my degree.” - Kendyll Harper, Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning

“A degree in planning equipped me with the skills and knowledge to facilitate sustainable development as cities continue to grow.” - John Yin, Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning

Accreditations and Rankings

Massey's planning degrees have been accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute – Te Kokiringa Taumata for decades.

Related Study Options

• Climate Action – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
• Environmental Science – Bachelor of Science
• Environmental Studies – Bachelor of Arts
• Environmental Studies – Diploma in Arts
• Environmental Studies – Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Environmental Sustainability – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
• Land and Water Science – Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science
• Master of Environmental Management – MEnvMgmt
• Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management – PGDipEnvMgmt
• Sustainable Climate Systems – Bachelor of Science

Colleges

• Massey Business School, Te Kura Whai Pakihi
• College of Creative Arts, Toi Rauwhārangi
• College of Health, Te Kura Hauora Tangata
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Te Kura Pūkenga Tangata
• College of Sciences, Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao

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