Otago's unique Applied Science degrees link the excitement of science and the power of technology with the challenges of business. Applied Science programs help graduates to become innovative thinkers with an entrepreneurial spirit, the very attributes successful New Zealanders are well-known for. As a graduate you'll be in better control of your career, able to contribute to the success of any organisation. And if innovation attracts you, an Applied Science degree combined with work experience will provide the right background if you decide to start your own business.

Why study Environmental Management?

As an Environmental Management graduate, you’ll work with decision-makers, governments, and large businesses, making a practical contribution to addressing environmental problems in New Zealand and overseas.

By studying Environmental Management you’ll gain a comprehensive and flexible qualification. The course will develop a wide range of research, analysis, communication and computing skills, and prepare you to take advantage of the numerous career pathways in Environmental Management.

Career opportunities

Environmental Management skills are in demand around the world. In New Zealand, Environmental Management has been given an enormous boost as a career option with the introduction of some major pieces of legislation, in particular the Resource Management Act, the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, and the Biosecurity Act. And there are plenty of opportunities to practise overseas, as long as you familiarize yourself with the local statutory requirements.

Many large companies now employ Environmental Management staff to work directly with their other staff, and to deal with local and central government. Those with overseas operations will need personnel with an international perspective in their training, something emphasised in the Otago course.

Many export companies now need environmental accreditation in order to secure markets in Europe, Japan, North America and elsewhere. Helping companies meet the requirements of such accreditation and certification schemes will be a major employment opportunity in coming years.

There is now a very large environmental consulting sector, contracting to private and public sector organisations. This kind of work tends to have plenty of variety, not to mention opportunities for travel.

There is always high demand in this area for graduates with a thorough understanding of the new environmental management scene backed up by specific scientific skills.

Programme Requirements

100-level

• ENVI 111 Environment and Society
• GEOG 101 Physical Geography
• GEOG 102 Human Geography

One of:

• MATH 160 Mathematics 1
• MATH 170 Mathematics 2
• STAT 110 Statistical Methods

200-level

• GEOG 216 Resource Evaluation and Planning
• GEOG 290 Field Research Methods (Science)
• Two of GEOG 281, GEOG 282, GEOG 283, GEOG 284, GEOG 286, GEOG 287, GEOG 288, GEOG 289, GEOG 298, GEOG 299

300-level

• GEOG 380 Field Research Studies
• GEOG 397 Environmental Management
• Two of GEOG 387, GEOG 388, GEOG 389, GEOG 390, GEOG 392, GEOG 393, GEOG 394, GEOG 395, GEOG 398, GEOG 399

144 further points, including either requirements for an approved minor or approved second major subject or other approved papers.

Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons)) is also available.

Note: July commencement may be possible, although the duration of the qualification may be longer, or paper selection may be limited.