14 January 2013 New degree for niche market

 

To develop and extend its capability to offer an undergraduate planning degree accredited with the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI), Lincoln University is introducing a new programme in 2013: the Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Planning with Honours (BEPP (Hons)). 
 
This new four year degree – designed to complement the university’s existing three year Bachelor of Environmental Management – has been designed to prepare students to enter a broad range of policy and planning positions both nationally and internationally.
 
In line with the University’s positioning as New Zealand’s ‘specialist land-based university’, the new BEPP (Hons) degree also draws on the University’s current strengths by offering further specialisations in areas such as water science and technology; sustainable business; landscape and urban ecology; agriculture and horticulture; and property management. 
 
“The new BEPP (Hons) degree provides a perfect offering for the region,” says Lincoln University Lecturer in Urban Studies, Dr Suzanne Vallance. 
 
“Not only does it respond to industry demands, it will equip students with the foundational skills and values required of the planning profession, and instil in them a critical thinking ‘tool-kit’ through an innovative interdisciplinary approach to policy and planning. With the ongoing rebuild of Christchurch and the development of the wider region, we see this degree as having real value. The skills and knowledge delivered through this programme of study will travel well, and graduates will be prepared for work both in New Zealand and overseas.”