Victoria University of Wellington

Overview

The Bachelor of Environment and Society in Environmental Studies at Victoria University of Wellington equips students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges. By integrating social perspectives with natural sciences, this program fosters the development of practical skills essential for analyzing problems, evaluating solutions, and promoting sustainability and environmental justice.

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree encompasses both the biophysical aspects of environmental change and the social, political, and ethical dimensions that influence it. Key features of the program include:

• A focus on sustainability and environmental justice, emphasizing the role of Indigenous environmental knowledge in shaping decision-making.
• Application of learning to various scales, from local environmental management to global issues such as climate change and social inequality.

The program is typically completed over three years with a curriculum that combines core environmental studies courses with research training and applied learning opportunities. Areas of study may include:

• Environment and Resources
• Research Methods for Environmental Studies
• Environmental Economics
• Māori Environmental Issues
• Environmental and Planning Law
• Environmental Management
• Climate Change Problems

Students can expect a variety of learning activities, including lectures and tutorials on environmental concepts, policy, and practice, as well as assignments that may involve case studies, policy analysis, and data-informed arguments. Some programs may also include a capstone project or thesis component in the final stages of study.

Entry requirements

To gain admission to the Bachelor of Environment and Society, applicants must meet the undergraduate entry criteria set by Victoria University of Wellington. Typically, this involves having qualifications from prior secondary or tertiary education, such as the International Baccalaureate or equivalent. Specific grade thresholds may differ based on the applicant's background.

English language proficiency is required, with accepted tests including:

• IELTS (Academic): overall 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each band, where applicable)
• TOEFL iBT: 80
• PTE Academic: 50
• Duolingo English Test: 105

It is advisable to confirm the latest English language requirements with the university prior to applying.

Career prospects