Bachelor of Environmental Planning
Environment
A course by
University of Waikato
An interdisciplinary, research-led Bachelor of Environmental Planning (BEP) programme accredited by NZPI, preparing students for careers in urban and environmental planning.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Hamilton, Hamilton
It will take a total of 4 years


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Understand interdisciplinary environmental planning
Gain a comprehensive understanding of social, economic, cultural, natural and physical aspects that impact the environment and its planning.

Apply planning law and policy
Develop proficiency in New Zealand environmental and resource management law and policy, and their application to practice.

Develop practical industry skills
Undertake practical activities and assessments involving labs, workshops, GIS, technical reports, resource consent applications, and district plans.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Environmental Planning (BEP) at the University of Waikato is a 4-year, 480-point programme designed to prepare students for professional roles in urban and environmental planning. Accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute, it offers a flexible, research-led curriculum that brings together environmental science, planning, policy, law, and Māori and Indigenous studies. Students can choose from three specialist streams and gain practical experience through labs, workshops, field trips, and industry engagement. The degree develops core knowledge and practical skills essential for addressing environmental challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Course Content
- Introduction to Environmental Planning
- Future Cities
- He Hīnatore ki te Ao Māori: Introducing the Māori World
- Rights and Reasons / Language in Context / Climate Change and Society / English as an Additional Language
- Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity
- Introduction to Earth System Sciences
- Economics for Business and Management
- Resource Management Law and Policy
- Urban Development in NZ
- Health, People, Place
- Māori Lands and Communities
- Geographical Information Systems and Big Data
- Planning in NZ
- Māori Resource Management
- Environmental Assessment and Policy
- Planning for a Changing Environment
- Urban Spatial Analysis
- Planning Theory
- Plans and Consents
- Plan Making
- Contemporary Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Environmental Planning
- Environmental Law
- Directed Study
- Practical skills and experience; field trips; resource hearings; case law analysis
What you need to know first
University Entrance or equivalent qualification
Some first-year papers may have specific prerequisites (see papers.waikato.ac.nz or contact info@waikato.ac.nz if you do not meet the prerequisites)

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Urban and Environmental Planning
Resource Management
Policy and Regulation

Future employment opportunities might be
Environmental Planner
City Planner
Iwi Management Planner
Policy Analyst or Advisor
Researcher
Project Manager
Resource Consent Planner
Reserves Planner
Transport Planner
Environmental Consultant
Conservation Officer


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details