Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Youth Work

Programme Overview

The New Zealand Diploma in Youth Work (Level 6) aims to develop competent youth practitioners and meet the standards as set by Ara Taiohi. Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge required to work in a range of settings such as non-governmental organisations, justice/corrections, social services, residential and community, iwi services, mental health support, peer support, and those that operate in a cultural or faith-based context.

Programme Details

Level

6

Campus

Porirua

Start Date

23/02/2026

Duration

2 years, full-time (part-time options available)

Domestic Fees

TBA

Programme Outline

The programme is delivered by blended learning which includes block courses onsite at the Porirua campus and online learning. You will need to have a computer and internet access at home for the online sessions.

Teaching adopts an active learning approach through activities like discussions, problem-solving, critical thinking, group work and practicum.

Year One

Provides a strong foundation of knowledge, self, values, cultural awareness, ethics, legislation, and personal and professional reflection skills in a professional setting.

Year Two

Consolidates year one learning through the development of independent and reflective practitioners who can make positive contributions to the youth development profession and work within multi-disciplinary teams. The course focus shifts to the integration of theory with practice and ethics in youth work.

Practicum

The practical work-based components of the programme prepare students for work as youth practitioners who integrate positive youth development principles into their practice.

• 75 hours at Level 5
  • YD5107: Entering professional practice
• 130 hours at Level 6
  • YD6211: Design, deliver and evaluate initiatives (50)
  • YD6204: Supporting youth participation (40)
  • YD6207: Developing professional practice (40)

Course Related Costs

• Students are expected to organise and pay for their own transport to and from placements, as well as travel and accommodation costs to attend block courses.
• Students will also require access to a computer and an internet connection.
• Students will engage in professional supervision over the course of the programme.

Entry Requirements

• NCEA Level 3 or equivalent qualification/work experience and evidence of suitability. Suitability will be assessed with reference to the applicant’s health/wellbeing, safety check and referee reports.
• International: IELTS 6.00 (no band lower than 5.5), or equivalent

Safety Check

The Children's Act (2014) requires all students, who may work with children during the course of their study, to be safety checked. Safety checking includes reference checking, work history, identity check, police vetting and an overall assessment of the applicant's safety to work with children.

Health Screening

Students may be required to complete health screening to provide current evidence of their immunisation status, as required by Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health and health organisations offering clinical learning experiences.

Credit Recognition

If you have relevant skills and knowledge through study or experiences in work or other activities, you may be able to receive credit for them. This is done through a process called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).