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The Internet of Things for Sustainability Micro-credential

Learn how to use data, connectivity and smart technology to develop positive outcomes and measurable impact. Discover how the convergence of software, hardware and sustainability initiatives can support better outcomes for businesses and communities.

Domestic$450NZD
International$1,125NZD
Internet of Things for Sustainability Micro-credential (15 Credits)
March and July
100% online learning
IOTS Hero

Outcomes and Pathways

What this course offers and how you will benefit

Learn how the Internet of Things and big data can be used to future proof the resilience of businesses, environments and communities. As our world becomes more connected through smart devices and a multitude of connectivity networks, develop the knowledge to use new and emerging disruptive technologies to apply solutions that benefit society, the planet and future generations.

This innovative Level 8 NZQA accredited (15 Credits) micro-credential will engage you in the sustainability challenges our planet faces and assist you to develop proactive strategies that use the Internet of Things (IoT) as solutions to a sustainable future.

Explore the fundamentals of IoT and their integration with other disruptive technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and 5G. Develop understanding of current and future potential capabilities to deliver economies of scale and wide reaching impact. Learn how to develop and apply IoT solutions to address core sustainability challenges in a real world context, through critical review of real use cases and strategic application to your own area of expertise.

Defining, understanding and measuring impact is now core to many existing and start-up business models. The Internet of Things for Sustainability Micro-credential brings to life how impact can be defined, understood and most importantly, measured using the lenses of Technology (via the Internet of Things) and Sustainability. The course is thought-provoking and challenges current approaches by introducing how technology, people, data, governance all align to drive new impact-driven sustainability outcomes and opportunities. Kriv Naicker, Industry Advisor, MD Synaptec NZ and Chair – NZ IoT Alliance

Kriv Naicker | Industry Advisor
Kriv Naicker Industry Advisor

Sound understanding of IoT fundamentals and their potential to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are relevant to your context

Awareness of indigenous values in relation to data sovereignty and the ability to apply these practically to your context

Develop a sustainability framework for strategic decision-making that considers impact across environmental, societal, cultural and economic factors

Gain valuable transferable skills in critical and systems thinking and user centred design methodologies

PATHWAYS

Where this could take you

Apply your sustainability and technology knowledge in a practical way to create real, meaningful change

Follow your passion

Lead a sustainability initiative integrating technology to improve sustainable outcomes in your community, workplace or environment

Boost your career

Deploy new knowledge for your current role or apply for a new role with a sustainability focus and integrate technology for a thriving future.

Continued learning

OUTLINE

How this Micro-credential works

Incorporate sustainability and technology into your world

Apply and Enrol

If you are ready to enrol, complete the online application form. We will be in touch to and provide all you need to know to get started on your micro-credential journey.

Sustainability and Technology

Dive into understanding what sustainability means and the role that technology such as the Internet of Things can have to improve outcomes through the collection of data. Explore concepts such as the circular, knowledge and sharing economy as frameworks to shape the design and implementation of connected systems.

Application for Sustainability

Look into a range of contexts where Internet of Things technology is being used for positive impact - smart utilities, smart mobilities, smart agriculture and smart health and wellbeing. Apply your learning through the development of a project brief for a connected system that could address a sustainability challenge in your practice.

Follow up

Put your project into practice or further your knowledge with our Master of Technological Futures, Master of Change and Organisational Resilience

KEY INFORMATION AND FAQS

What you need to know

If we look at this from a purely academic perspective, a micro-credential is worth 15 educational credits which equates to 150 hours of learning. But how much time you need to commit each week will depend on the length of the programme.

This 10-week micro-credential includes an average of 15 learning hours per week. The Internet of Things for Sustainability micro-credential’s blended delivery approach includes self-directed and directed learning activities supported by weekly 90 minute virtual synchronous class sessions. Online synchronous sessions will take place on Tuesday 4.00-5.30pm. These sessions will be recorded, although we highly recommend attendance where possible to get full value from the programme.

For further information, download our 2023 student prospectus.

There are currently two intakes of this micro-credential scheduled for 2024 - March and July.

To be eligible to study on the Programme, applicants must meet the admission criteria. The high-level entry criteria as approved by NZQA are as follows:

  • A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent level qualification 

  • OR equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

For further information, including how to demonstrate equivalent professional experience, download our 2023 Student Prospectus.

Applications close one week before the start date of the intake you are applying for. Applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the application close date at the discretion of academyEX. Please contact enrol@academyex.com if applications are closed and you would like to apply.

The Internet of Things for Sustainability Micro-credential (15 credits, level 8), supports professionals, organisations and communities from a range of practices to understand the fundamental principles of the Internet of Things (IoT) and develop the skills necessary to apply IoT solutions to sustainability challenges within their practice context.

The programme is of value to those with a personal or professional interest in sustainability and curious about how technology can be used to support sustainability initiatives. For example, 

  • Professionals across industries where sustainability is central to the continuation and success of the business or organisation, in both an economic and cultural sense.

  • Community or iwi organisation leaders and managers that are seeking contemporary approaches to developing and supporting sustainable environments for people and planet

Not at all. We have had many learners come into this programme with little or no knowledge of how internet of things technology works, and have completed the course with an understanding of the fundamental principles of the technology and insight into how it could be applied to address sustainability initiatives.

  • The domestic tuition fee for the Programme is $450 (including GST). Unfortunately, students are not eligible to apply for StudyLink Student Loans for this micro-credential

  • The fee for international students in New Zealand is NZD$1,125 (including GST)

  • The fee for international students outside of New Zealand is NZD$1,087

There are no scholarships or discounts currently available for micro-credentials.

Our stackable learning means you can take a mix ‘n match approach to building your skills, knowledge and network across programmes, no matter which faculty, so you have a customised toolkit to make change and innovate where it matters most to you.

You can think of micro-credentials as building blocks of learning. Each building block could be credited to larger qualifications (e.g. a Master’s degree) if a specific micro-credential aligns to specific learning outcomes covered in a larger qualification. It’s worth having a chat with us about what you’re seeking to achieve for your upskilling so we can help with selecting the right learning pathways for you.

A micro-credential certifies achievement of a specific and coherent set of skills and/or knowledge. Micro-credentials are created through strong evidence of need by industry, employers, iwi and/or the community. Think of them like a ‘crash course’ on the future – bringing you up to speed on what matters today but also what’s critical for a thriving future. They are designed to be done alongside your busy work and personal life, so you don't have to take time off to study.

Our Micro-credentials give you a recognised NZQA qualification. 

Delivered through a combination of self-directed learning and weekly live online sessions, you’ll practice and apply the knowledge and skills you learn through two practical assessments. Between 7 and 15 weeks, all micro-credentials have a set price and we run regular intakes at set times of the year.

This programme is available to study as an international student either via online distance learning or if you currently reside in New Zealand and your visa conditions allow study. To find out more about studying with academyEX as an international student, and for programme fees, visit our International Students page.

We are very happy to help you to communicate the benefits of studying with academyEX to your employer. If you would like us to provide you with a letter of support or further information, please just ask.

Yes, almost all academyEX learners work full time while studying part time. This programme has been designed to fit in around full time work or family commitments, with weekly online sessions taking place in the late afternoon/early evening. Assessments are designed to be practical and linked to personal aspirations and projects.

If you are concerned about the workload and how you will balance it, please reach out to us and we can chat about how it could work for you.

Micro-credentials are delivered entirely online. Each micro-credential has regular online facilitated classes and self-directed study, that includes viewing videos, completing quizzes and reading relevant papers.

In the lead up to the start of each intake, fully enrolled students will receive onboarding emails from the team, as well as access to platforms that will be used during your study. During the first session, whether online or in-person, the team will talk through what you can expect during the programme and answer any questions. 

International students learning onshore with us will also be required to attend a separate orientation session. Details will be provided during the application process.

Absolutely. We’ve had loads of students do the course alongside family members, friends and colleagues. There are also opportunities to work collaboratively on assessments during the programme and work together on a project of interest. Learning is always better together!

Generally, a 15 credit micro-credential will comprise two summative assessments. Some assessments are individual and others may be group based to encourage collaboration with others. Assessments are about applying your learning to your practice or context - developing small plans, strategies, designing initiatives, and exploring and evaluating key concepts or ideas. All assessments will add demonstrable value to your applied knowledge of the area you're learning in.

In this micro-credential you will work collaboratively and independently to evaluate and develop proposals for IoT systems that could address sustainability challenges.

Next Steps

Okay, so what’s next?

Make an enquiry

We understand the decision to embark on a course requires some consideration. If you have any questions, we’re here to help answer them.

Book a chat

We get it – sometimes it’s nice to chat to a real human! Book a call at a time that suits you and Shruti will be able to answer your questions, give you more information and, if you’re ready, help you apply.

Apply Now

Create your academyEX account, or sign in if you are returning for more to apply online. We will guide you through the application process and make sure you have all you need to launch yourself into this journey.