Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Education
Course details
| NZQF Level | 5 |
|---|
About the course
This programme has been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge the industry requires to meet increasing demand for outdoor leaders and guides, and to prepare you for a varied, rewarding and adventurous career.Learning from some of the most qualified educators and instructors in the country you'll become technically competent in a range of outdoor pursuits including sea kayaking, rock climbing, bush walking and mountain biking. You'll gain skills in leadership, sustainability and environmental education, supervision and instruction. You'll also learn how to plan, prepare, instruct and guide participants in a range of outdoor activities while maintaining safe, ethical and professional practice in familiar an unfamiliar outdoor environments. This will include assessing and managing emergency care situations in isolated locations.During your studies you'll gain an understanding and respect for the tikanga and kawa of local iwi and/or hapū and other cultural groups while operating in a range of outdoor contexts.You'll learn through a mix of group tutorials, practical outdoor activities, field trips, online learning and work-integrated experiences. The latter includes opportunities to lead clients - e.g. secondary school students and individuals with disabilities - in outdoor activities, giving you real-world workplace experience. Please note: to participate in this programme and complete it successfully, it’s important that you’re able to swim at least 50m, ride a bike and carry a full overnight hiking pack on multi-day trips.
Entry requirements
What if English is not my first Language? Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic 5.0 Listening 5.0 Reading 5.0 Writing 5.0 Speaking If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart. If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment. If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country. What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance? You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills. Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements? If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry. In addition you need to: Declare any convictions against the law prior to starting the programmes and complete sections 2 and 3 of the New Zealand Police Vetting Service Request and Consent Form. Be capable of swimming a minimum of 50 metres, be able to carry a full overnight tramping pack on multi day trips and ride a bicycle. You will need access to all personal equipment and clothing for activities (recommended list provided to applicants). Hold a current two-day Comprehensive First Aid Certificate. First Aid training can be completed through any authorised provider. New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4)
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.