Environmental Management (Level 4)

Graduating students may be able to undertake entry level/assistant environmental type positions in the following areas:

• Regional or local authorities
• Environmental monitoring/testing
• Relevant government departments
• Farming industry

Students may also progress to higher level study such as the Bachelor of Environmental Management at SIT.

Applicants should demonstrate a likelihood of success in the programme of study. Likelihood of success may be demonstrated through a variety of means, including: relevant work experience, Curriculum Vitae, letter of intent, achievement of NCEA in environmental management related or science related standards, or an interview.

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Environmental Management).

For Levels 3 to 4:

To be admitted to this programme all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date the programme starts, and meet one of the following requirements:

i. NCEA Level 2

ii. 60 credits at Level 2 or above, plus

iii. 20 credits from any level, and

iv. Literacy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, through either:

o specified assessment standards available through a range of subject and English for Academic Purposes unit standards 22750 and 22751 (minimum total of 10 credits); or

o unit standards – package of three literacy unit standards (26622, 26624, 26625 – all three required).

v. Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:

o achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or

o unit standards – package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).

Special Admission 

Applicants who have attained the age of 20 years on or before the first day of the intake in which study for the programme is to commence and who do not meet the general admission requirements stated above and who believe that they have the level of preparedness for study at this level may apply for special admission. 

In assessing whether to grant special admission the primary focus will be on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate a likelihood to succeed in the programme. 

All decisions will be at the discretion of the Relevant Academic Authority.

English Language Entry Criteria

All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.

International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as outlined in the table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes for international students from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Ākonga webpage.

All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary language literacy proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of: 

• 10 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:

Applicants who are unable to provide evidence of the above may be required to demonstrate capability using an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

Selection Criteria

Right of entry into programmes of study is restricted by SIT and apparent eligibility may not lead to automatic acceptance. Applicants must demonstrate attributes, which in the assessment of SIT should lead to success.

Where SIT is satisfied that it is necessary to do so because of insufficiency of staff, accommodation, or equipment it may determine the maximum number of students who may be enrolled in a particular course of study.  Where the number of applications for enrolment exceeds the number of places in any case where such a limitation applies, the criteria for selection shall be academic merit and suitability for admission to that course of study. Eligible students not admitted to their chosen course of study will be placed on a waiting list and/or may be referred to another programme. Applications should be received by SIT no later than the applications due date. Late applications may be considered, subject to availability of places.

Applicants may be required to attend an interview, or if they live at some distance from the campus, complete a telephone interview (must produce copies of applicable certificates/evidence of prior achievements before interviews). 

The Head of Faculty (or delegate) will determine the maximum number of students permitted to enrol in the programme. All enrolments are approved at the discretion of the Programme Operations Manager in consultation with the Head of Faculty (or delegate) and teaching staff, as required.

Studying online at SIT

Once you are enrolled, your course materials, assessments and due dates will be available through Blackboard, SIT's online learning environment. You will have access to your course materials from the start date of your intake.

Students are required to use their SIT email for SIT Online communications. Once you have been accepted into a programme, you will receive an Important Information Booklet with guidance to help you get familiar with Blackboard.

Staying in contact with your Facilitator

During your intake, you can contact your Facilitator by email. Facilitators aim to respond within 2 working days.

Within the first 1-2 weeks of your intake, you need to email your Facilitator to confirm that you have started your studies. If you have not contacted your Facilitator or started your course by the end of the second week, you may be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.

This may affect your future access to the Zero Fees Scheme, and you will still be responsible for Student Direct Material Costs.

Results and transcripts

After each intake, check your results through MySIT.

Once you successfully complete your programme, you will receive an official academic transcript, which will be posted to you.

If you're new to SIT Online, we also recommend reading the FAQs for more information about studying and enrolling online.

Study load

Full-time study 

For StudyLink purposes, the minimum study load considered full-time depends on the length of your intake:

• 12–15 weeks: minimum 36 credits
• 16–19 weeks: minimum 48 credits
• 20 weeks: minimum 60 credits

Part-time study*

If you plan to study part time, consider your work, family and other commitments when choosing your study load.

As a guide, we recommend:

• Working 37+ hours per week: up to 30 credits per intake
• Working 20–37 hours per week: up to 45 credits per intake
• Working fewer than 20 hours per week: up to 60 credits per intake

These are guidelines only. The right study load will depend on your individual circumstances.

*Your eligibility and maximum duration you have to complete your qualification part-time is subject to change, enquire to confirm.

How much study time should I allow?

As a guide, one credit is approximately 10 hours of study.

Use the Study Load Calculator to help work out a manageable study load based on your commitments.

Important enrolment information

• All papers selected for an intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is approved. 
• Online enrolment is completed year by year, and you can apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.
• You are responsible for enrolling for further study. Enrolment does not automatically roll over to the next year.

Cross credits and previous study

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

See the SIT information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

If you have completed relevant previous study or have applicable prior learning, you may be eligible for cross credit, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

Check our current information on cross credits, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning for eligibility and application details.

Before you apply

Please read the Information on this page before starting your application. 
Your application will be assessed based on the information and supporting documents you provide.

Missing information or documents may delay your application.

Application checklist (once you click “Enrol”)

Before submitting your application, check that:

• You have read the Programme Information on this page.
• You meet the programme admission requirements.
• You meet any entry requirements for the individual paper(s) you want to study.
• You have selected your preferred intake(s), avoiding overlapping intakes.
• You know how you intend to pay for your study.
• If your organisation or employer is paying, you have an approved purchase order ready to attach. If they do not pay your fees, these will become your responsibility.
• If applying for cross credit, you have completed the required cross credit form.
• You have access to a computer, internet connection and software for creating electronic documents, such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice.

For Level 3 programmes: You will be required by the Tertiary Education Commission to complete at least one literacy and one numeracy assessment as part of your studies.

New students

You will also need to:

• Provide an active NSN in the name you are enrolling under. If you do not know your NSN, contact NZQA on 0800 697 296.
• If you do not have an active NSN, provide verified identification in the name you are enrolling under.
• If you are a New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident, provide proof of residency.
• Provide supporting academic documentation, such as your NZQA Record of Achievement, academic transcripts or certificates. These documents do not need to be verified.
• If you do not have academic documentation, provide a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience.
• Attach any other supporting documents required for the programme.

Zero Fees Scheme | What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

Under the Zero Fees Scheme, SIT does not charge tuition fees. You will still need to pay the applicable Student Direct Material Cost and a non-refundable administration fee.

The Student Direct Material Cost provides access to Blackboard®, SIT's online learning environment, and student support services throughout your study.

Who qualifies?

The Zero Fees Scheme is available to:

• New Zealand citizens completing the full qualification.
• Australian citizens, New Zealand Residents and Permanent Residents who will be living in New Zealand for the duration of their enrolment.

If you are not eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme, call 0800 748 257 to discuss your options.

Submit your application

Complete the online application and attach all required supporting documentation.

Before submitting, check that the information you have provided is complete and accurate. Missing information or documentation may delay the processing of your application.

Any additional documentation can be emailed to sitonline@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

1. Application received
   You will receive an automatic email confirming that SIT has received your application. Processing may take up to three weeks. We will contact you sooner if we require additional documentation.
2. Offer and invoice
   If your application is accepted, you will receive a conditional offer of acceptance, an invoice and payment instructions.
3. Enrolment confirmed
   Once payment has been received, or you have selected an approved payment method such as Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order, you will receive an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet.
4. Get ready to study
   Closer to the start of your intake, you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter with the information, tools and guidance you need to begin your studies.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Environmental Management, and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

• A minimum of 60 credits in accordance with the programme schedule for the Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Environmental Management)
• The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Environmental Management) full-time over six months or part-time over two years

Please note: students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit zero fees entitlement.

Successful completion of this programme will enable you to progress to higher levels of tertiary training including the Bachelor of Environmental Management at SIT's Invercargill campus.

A variety of assessment techniques may be employed, including:

a) Assignment

An assignment may include:

• Practical exercise – showing their learning through practice
• Written description/evaluation/essay – helping learners to research, prepare and present written information.
• Investigation and written report

b) Test

A test may be any of the following:

• An in-class written test in response to specific questions or requirements forming a small part of the overall assessment
• An oral response to questions/requirements prepared by the tutor.

c) Presentation

A presentation to the class group, or other group, may be required for several reasons e.g.;

• To explain the results of a study
• To assess presentation and English language skills
• To help learners gain confidence

d) Discussion

Learners may be assessed on their participation and contribution to the group.

e) Research Project

Examples of projects may include research and investigations carried out within a field of interest. Learners will relate their findings to their own ideas and theories about the topic.

f) Group Projects

Provides learners with the opportunity to pool their knowledge and work together towards an assessment outcome. Learners will be required to use skills in interpersonal communication, teamwork, group process and collaborative practice to contribute and participate within the group context.