Environmental Studies

You’ll develop the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills you need to analyze and produce a broad range of discourse in a full spectrum of careers — and to make a difference in whatever you do.

Overview

Environmental Studies at Auckland Royal Academy offers a multidisciplinary pathway into understanding the relationships between human societies and the natural world. Drawing on geography, environmental politics, resource economics, ethics, and sustainability science, the programme develops graduates who can think critically about environmental challenges and contribute to the policy, advocacy, and community action needed to address them in New Zealand and globally.

Case studies and projects examine New Zealand's most pressing environmental issues — freshwater quality, marine protection, urban sustainability, climate adaptation, and the rights of nature — drawing on scientific evidence, Māori environmental knowledge, and comparative international policy experience. Field visits, community engagement projects, and industry placements complement classroom learning with practical exposure to environmental management in action.

Career Opportunities

Environmental Studies graduates work in sustainability consulting, environmental policy, government agencies, local government, non-governmental organisations, and journalism. Many take on advocacy and leadership roles in environmental NGOs, contribute to local government sustainability planning, or pursue postgraduate research in environmental governance, climate policy, and sustainable development.

Program Learning Outcomes

Evaluate environmental policy proposals using interdisciplinary analytical frameworks that integrate scientific evidence, economic analysis, social impact assessment, and indigenous environmental knowledge.

Apply sustainability science principles and systems thinking to diagnose environmental problems and develop integrated solutions that address the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability challenges.

Engage with New Zealand's environmental governance frameworks — including the Resource Management Act, the Climate Change Response Act, and He Waka Eke Noa — critically evaluating their effectiveness and advocating for improvements grounded in evidence and justice.

Programme

Semester 1	Credits	Number
Introduction to Environmental Studies	4	ENVS 101
Foundations & Theory	4	ENVS 110
Research Methods	3	ENVS 120

Semester 2	Credits	Number
Applied Environmental Studies I	4	ENVS 201
Professional Practice	3	ENVS 210
Industry Context NZ	4	ENVS 220

Semester 3	Credits	Number
Applied Environmental Studies II	4	ENVS 301
Critical Perspectives	3	ENVS 310
Ethics & Standards	3	ENVS 320

Semester 4	Credits	Number
Advanced Environmental Studies	4	ENVS 401
Specialisation Elective	3	ENVS 410
Environmental Studies Capstone Project	4	ENVS 490
Total for the entire period of study	11