Fees-free is available for eligible first-time tertiary learners. Find out if you’re eligible at feesfree.govt.nz
Save the Environment
For lovers of the outdoors and New Zealand’s environment, this programme introduces you to a range of ecosystems from forests to urban habitats. You’ll learn from passionate and inspiring tutors who will encourage you to develop your practical and theoretical knowledge. Learn about our amazing wildlife and our fascinating environment, and find out why it is in danger and what we can do to help. Share the journey with the inspiring team of experts from NorthTec and be informed. This diploma will help you develop the theoretical and practical skills to work within the environmental sector.
The Environmental Management pathway at NorthTec offers three qualifications in three years:
Programme Q&A
What I will learn?
This programme will teach you the principles and techniques involved in environmental management. You’ll gain a practical and theoretical knowledge of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, flora and fauna in New Zealand and learn about sustainability, environmental issues, monitoring and conservation techniques. You’ll also get involved in the protection and restoration of local natural, rural and urban environments.
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
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Describe global environmental issues (with a focus on New Zealand) to determine their impacts on societies and ecosystems, and basic mitigation measures.
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Use data collection and surveying methods to monitor environmental ecological or asset management.
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Apply knowledge of New Zealand terrestrial biology and ecology systems to enable organism monitoring in a field environment.
Courses in this programme
Courses |
Level |
Credits |
|
5001 - Environmental Issues
Aim: To provide students with an understanding of key global and local environmental issues and options for mitigation.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Describe the causes of global and local environmental issues.
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Explain the impacts of environmental issues on societies and ecosystems.
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Describe a range of measures used to mitigate environmental issues.
|
5 |
15 |
|
5002 - Introduction to Conservation
Aim: To enable students to examine the direct and indirect effects of human colonisation on biodiversity with an emphasis on New Zealand, and to explore available mitigation options.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Trace the arrival of humans and describe their direct impacts on the environment.
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Identify the ecological impacts of introduced plant and animal pests in New Zealand.
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Describe a range of measures used to mitigate human impacts in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments.
|
5 |
15 |
|
5003 - Introduction to Biological Monitoring
Aim: To provide students with a practical understanding of biological monitoring methods in the terrestrial environment.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
-
Explain the role and function of monitoring.
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Identify a range of frequently monitored organisms and techniques to monitor them
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Identify and select appropriate methods to collect, summarise and report on data.
|
5 |
15 |
|
5004 - New Zealand Ecology
Aim: To provide students with an understanding of New Zealand’s terrestrial ecology in the context of general biogeographical and ecological principles.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Describe the ecology of New Zealand in the context of past biogeographical processes and events.
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Explain the structure and function of populations, communities and ecosystems in New Zealand.
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Identify and describe the principal vegetation types and their constituent species in New Zealand ecosystems.
|
5 |
15 |
|
5005 - Principles of Biology
Aim: To enable students to investigate and understand the origins of biological diversity, the causes and mechanisms of micro and macro evolution, and taxonomy.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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Explore the origins of life.
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Describe the principles of evolution and their applications in biodiversity management.
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Describe and explain genetic processes and their applications in biodiversity management.
-
Describe the principles of taxonomy.
|
5 |
15 |
|
5006 - Plant and Microbial Biology
Aim: To promote students understanding of the diversity of plants, fungi, macroalgae, protists and prokaryotes in the context of evolutionary theory, while examining the links between structure, function and the environment.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
-
Identify and explain the distinguishing characteristics of plants, prokaryotes, protists, macroalgae and fungi including their diversity and taxonomy.
-
Describe the ecological roles of plants, prokaryotes, protists, macroalgae and fungi.
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Describe and explain the evolutionary responses of plants, prokaryotes, protists, macroalgae and fungi in a diverse and changing environment.
|
5 |
15 |
|
5007 - Applied Pest Management
Aim: To enable students to understand basic pest management techniques and gain practical experience in their implementation.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
-
Describe a range of methods used to monitor and control introduced animal pests.
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Describe a range of methods used to monitor and control introduced plant pests.
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Demonstrate the correct use of a range of navigational techniques and technologies.
|
5 |
15 |
|
5008 - Animal Biology
Aim: To promote students understanding of the diversity of animals in the context of evolutionary theory, while examining the links between structure, function and the environment.
On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
-
Describe and explain the distinguishing characteristics of animals including their diversity and taxonomy.
-
Describe the ecological roles of animals in New Zealand.
-
Describe and explain the evolutionary responses of animals in a diverse and changing environment.
|
5 |
15 |
Education Pathway
On completion of this qualification, graduates may progress onto the New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6).
Employment Pathway
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work in the following contexts:
Admission information
Applicants are required to have gained:
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements but whose skills, education or work experience indicate that they have a reasonable chance of success, may gain admission at the discretion of the Programme Leader or designated nominee.
Qualification gained
New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 5) with a strand in Terrestrial
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. Fees are an indication, include GST and apply to domestic students only. View terms and conditions
From 1 January 2023, all NorthTec learners will be part of Te Pūkenga. Please note that these programmes of study are currently under review as part of the reform of vocational education training and may be subject to change.