Why Study / Key Benefits

The PGDipWaterRM was designed for professionals seeking multidisciplinary, non-research training in water resource management.

Its academic focus included:

• Sustainable management of freshwater and water resources.
• Hydrology and water-resource science.
• Water quality and quantity.
• Environmental management.
• Water policy and planning.
• Ecological considerations.
• Political and regulatory dimensions of water management.
• Integration of scientific and planning knowledge.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The former 120-point PGDipWaterRM contained three compulsory courses:

• WATR401 – Advanced Water Resources
• WATR402 – Water Quality and Quantity Assessment
• WATR403 – Water Management, Policy and Planning

Listed elective areas included:

• GEOG404 – Resource and Environmental Management in New Zealand
• ENVR410 – Concepts and Principles of Environmental Science
• ENVR411 – Case Studies in Environmental Science
• MAST603 – Mana Kaitiaki (M?ori Resource Management)
• ERST630 – Environmental Policy and Planning
• LWST602 – Advanced Resource Management and Planning Law
• ERST621 – Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment
• ERST632 – Economics in Environmental Policy

Disciplines / Specialisations

The former PGDipWaterRM had no formal majors, minors or endorsements.

Its multidisciplinary areas included:

• Water resources
• Hydrology
• Water quality
• Water quantity
• Environmental science
• Environmental management
• Water policy
• Resource planning
• Environmental impact assessment
• Resource-management law
• Environmental economics
• Maori resource management

Programme Highlights

Historically, the PGDipWaterRM offered:

• 120 points.
• One-year full-time study.
• Two-year part-time option.
• Multidisciplinary water-resource training.
• Strong environmental and policy focus.
• Teaching associated with the Waterways Centre.
• Collaboration between UC and Lincoln University.
• Technical and professional, rather than primarily research, orientation.
• Potential progression to the Master of Water Resource Management under the former regulations.

Career Outcomes

The former PGDipWaterRM was intended to prepare graduates for technical and professional, non-research water-resource-management careers.

Relevant career areas included:

• Water resource management.
• Environmental consulting.
• Government agencies.
• Regional and local authorities.
• Environmental planning.
• Water policy.
• Resource management.
• Water-dependent industries.
• Environmental NGOs.
• Agricultural and irrigation organisations.

UC's current Water Science and Management subject page identifies contemporary career destinations including:

• Water resource managers.
• Researchers.
• Water advisors.
• Consultants.
• Local, regional and central government.
• R?nanga.
• Environmental consultancies.
• Hydroelectricity.
• Irrigation.
• Dairy and agriculture.
• NGOs and community water initiatives.
• Research institutes and universities, usually requiring a PhD for research careers.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current update is:

• The PGDipWaterRM is closed to new enrolments.
• UC directs prospective students to the Master of Water Science and Management or the Master of Science in Water Science and Management.

UC and Lincoln University introduced the new Water Science and Management qualifications to replace the existing Water Resource Management programmes. The replacement portfolio includes:

• Master of Water Science and Management: 180 points.
• Master of Science in Water Science and Management: 240 points.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Water Science and Management: an exit qualification rather than a directly entered programme. 

International Student Visa Requirements

There is no new-student visa pathway specifically for the closed PGDipWaterRM.

For a student applying to the current replacement programme and physically studying in New Zealand, the relevant visa will generally be the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Tuition-fee payment or sufficient funds to pay tuition.
• Sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds for departure when required.