Course details

Graduate Diploma in Sustainability and Outdoor Education
NZQF Level 7

About the course

This one-year full time graduate programme combines theory and practice for advanced professional development for established teachers, outdoor educators and instructors or retraining opportunities for graduates of other degrees. The programme consists of a mixture of compulsory and elective courses, some of which can done by distance learning. You will learn how to implement sustainable practice, journey-based environmental science, contemporary issues in sustainability and outdoor education, resource management, practical skill development and instruction and a course that focuses on the topic of your choosing. This allows you to maintain a broad base to your study, complemented by elective practical and theory courses that develop your personal interests and strengths. You will be required to participate in a number of field trips to locations outside Christchurch and off campus. Personal clothing and equipment are required and a list will be provided on request. Specialist equipment is provided. Please check with programme leader for course availability. Applicants for this programme must already hold a Bachelor Degree.Part-time up to 3 years.

Entry requirements

What if English is not my first Language? Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic 5.5 Listening 5.5 Reading 5.5 Writing 5.5 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. IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test. What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance? You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills. In addition you need to: Hold a current two-day Comprehensive First Aid Certificate. First Aid training can be completed through any authorised provider. Consent to Disclosure of Information: Applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on your placement. The form will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Department. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website. A Bachelor's degree Or appropriate, documented and verifiable evidence (including references) of relevant work or other experience, equivalent to three years full time in the outdoor education instruction or similar area.

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.

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