Master of Sustainable Practice
Advance sustainable practice through research, collaboration and action.
Creating more sustainable organisations and communities requires people who can investigate complex challenges, bring together diverse perspectives and turn evidence into action. This qualification is designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise and lead meaningful change within their industry, organisation or community.
You'll explore sustainability through environmental, social, cultural and economic lenses, drawing on systems thinking, Te Ao Māori and contemporary sustainability practice. Through collaborative learning and an applied research project, you'll investigate a sustainability issue relevant to your field and develop evidence-informed solutions that can influence future practice.
Key features
- Apply it to your industry:
Use sustainable practice to create change in your own workplace.
- Study around your work:
Flexible online learning designed to fit alongside professional commitments.
- Solve real-world challenges:
Apply your learning through industry projects and applied research.
- Learn beyond your sector:
Study with professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds.
What you'll learn
- Sustainability thinking and practical approaches to change
- Systems thinking and solving complex challenges
- Te Ao Māori and indigenous perspectives
- Sustainability policy, governance and decision-making
- Leading change in organisations and communities
- Working with people from different professions and backgrounds
- Evaluating sustainability challenges and opportunities
- Research and evidence-informed decision-making
- Planning and delivering sustainability projects
- Communicating ideas and influencing action
Fees for 2026
A Bachelor's degree followed by relevant work or professional experience, or a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant subject area, or a Bachelor Honours degree.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.5 Academic
- 6.0 Listening
- 6.0 Reading
- 6.0 Writing
- 6.0 Speaking
Admission is based on the evaluation of documentary evidence (including the academic record) of the applicant's ability to undertake postgraduate study in this subject area.
Funding your studies
If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
This qualification can help you advance sustainability initiatives within your current profession or move into roles focused on organisational change, strategy and sustainability. Graduates may work in sectors such as business, healthcare, education, local government, construction, technology, community development and environmental management.
Possible roles include:
- Sustainability advisor
- Sustainability manager
- Project manager
- Policy advisor
- Community development advisor
- Organisational change specialist
- Environmental, health and safety advisor
- Strategy and planning advisor
- Programme manager
- Team leader or manager
Study pathways
Pathways into this qualification Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education Bachelor of Applied Management Bachelor of Engineering Technology Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies Bachelor of Construction Bachelor of Architectural Studies Bachelor of Applied ScienceMaster of Sustainable Practice
Advance sustainable practice through research, collaboration and action.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Postgraduate |
| Code | CH4067 |
| Next starts | February 2027 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | NULL |
| Credits | 180 |
| Level | 9 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | CH4067-STRU |
Fees for 2026
Credit Recognition
Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.
Apply for credit recognitionDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 1002 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 794 KB
Area of Interest
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