Overview

The Master of Sustainable Development Goals at Massey University focuses on the theory and practice of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The qualification addresses the most pressing imperative facing humanity and the planet: sustainability. This degree is the only one of its kind in the world.

Key facts

The SDGs are the UN’s ambitious macro-level plan for humankind’s development and sustainability. The goals address global challenges including those related to poverty and inequality, climate and environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice.

You’ll take 2 core courses in sustainable development. The first will introduce you to various theories and models of sustainable development and the SDGs.

The second will focus on multi-disciplinary frameworks. You’ll learn how to measure progress against the SDGs and to consider alternative paradigms such as those based on Indigenous knowledge and practice.

Each specialisation has contemporary relevance to local, national, regional and global wellbeing. These practical taught courses focus on you as a practitioner, working in an area related to sustainable development.

Career

The challenge of achieving the SDGs requires a new genre of professionals, who can confront dynamic and complex problems with innovation, creativity and inclusivity.

Increasingly, civil society, government and the private sector will require people willing and able to work in ways that are true to the collaborative and inclusive aspirations of the global SDGs.

These emphasise the importance of understanding content and context, the ability to embrace a diverse range of knowledge frameworks (mainstream, alternative and Indigenous) and the skills of measuring and monitoring progress towards the SDGs.

There is strong demand in the global marketplace for workers with the skills to translate, implement, monitor and report on the SDGs. In addition, sustainability positions, such as Sustainability Directors, Managers and Advisors are being appointed at record rates.

Employees with these skills are in demand in both public and private organisations, from conservation groups to multinational companies, from government ministries through to city councils committed to sustainability, and from community organisations through to science innovation hubs.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Climate Change Economics and Policy

Global Food Markets and Trade

Environmental Economics for Non-Economists

Economic Growth, International and Development Economics

Sustainable Development Goals Practicum

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-19 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-05 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Disciplines

Economics International Development Sustainable Development View 4 other Masters in Economics in New Zealand

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To enter the Master of Sustainable Development Goals (Economics for Sustainability) you will have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a grade average of at least B in the highest level courses.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38840 NZD / year

≈ 38840 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

10652 NZD / year

≈ 10652 NZD / year

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Sustainable Development Goals.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key facts

Career

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners