Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Practice
Lead sustainability initiatives across organisations, industries and communities.
Creating meaningful sustainability outcomes requires people who can bring together different perspectives, navigate complexity and turn ideas into action. This qualification is designed for professionals who want to lead sustainability initiatives within their organisation, industry or community.
You'll explore sustainability through environmental, social, cultural and economic lenses while developing practical skills in policy, collaboration and change leadership. Through project-based learning and professional practice, you'll learn how to influence decision-making, engage stakeholders and deliver solutions that create lasting impact.
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 complex problem solving
- Te Ao Māori and indigenous perspectives
- Sustainability policy, governance and decision-making
- Leading sustainability initiatives
- Engaging stakeholders and building support
- Working across disciplines and sectors
- Evaluating sustainability opportunities and challenges
- Research and evidence-informed practice
- Planning and delivering sustainability projects
- Influencing organisational and community change
- Applying sustainability within your professional context
Fees for 2026
A Bachelor's degree or Graduate Certificate or Diploma in relevant subject areas.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
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
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 lead sustainability initiatives within your current profession or move into roles focused on organisational change, strategy, policy and sustainability.
Graduates apply their skills across sectors such as:
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
- Local government
- Construction
- Technology
- Community organisations
- Environmental management
You'll be equipped to influence decision-making, engage stakeholders, lead projects and contribute to more sustainable outcomes within your organisation or community.
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 Science
Study options after this qualification
- Master of Sustainable Practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Practice
Lead sustainability initiatives across organisations, industries and communities.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Postgraduate |
| Code | CH4068 |
| Next starts | February 2027 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | NULL |
| Credits | 120 |
| Level | 8 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | CH4068-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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