Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Design

About the programme

This qualification focuses on learning design as it reflects the fact that the learner is at the centre of the design. In addition, theories and models drawn from other fields are included such as design thinking and user experience which will become increasingly core as the field of instructional design evolves. Bicultural and cross-cultural elements and concepts are also embedded implicitly and explicitly throughout the programme. 

Learning design is the systematic process during which learning materials are designed, developed and delivered. The fundamental purpose is to identify the skills, knowledge and attitude gaps of a targeted audience and to create, select and suggest learning experiences that close that gap. 

Traditionally, these skills were embedded as a component in an existing teaching role but, due to ever-expanding complexities and opportunities of technology, as well as the growing variety of types of learning, the role of a learning designer is increasingly being seen as a dedicated full-time specialist position. 

This programme is targeted for a variety of learning and teaching professionals including:

• technical writers
• higher educators
• graphic designers
• librarians
• scientists
• corporate trainers
• human resource professionals
• software developers and others involved in training or education.

When you successfully complete this programme, you'll be able to:

• employ creative solutions to address learning design needs and goals while working to a client brief and/or industry needs.
• evaluate and apply learning approaches to design and develop learning experiences that meet the needs of multiple learning contexts.
• apply appropriate online learning design strategies and tools to create quality learning experiences.
• critically apply project management principles and tools to manage and engage stakeholders through a learning design project.

This programme has external advisory support from the New Zealand Association for Training and Development (NZATD), Germinate Aotearoa, ADInstruments, ARA, and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).

Entry

Entry requirements

• You must hold an undergraduate degree, or degree-equivalent, practical, professional or scholarly experience (e.g. technical writers, higher educators, graphic designers, librarians, scientists, corporate trainers, human resources, software developers, Kaiako Māori and others involved in training or education).
• You will also need to submit a structured resumé or CV.

If English is not your first language, you must provide:

• New Zealand University Entrance OR
• Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years) OR
• Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for a list of recognised proficiency tests).

Please note: International students who are currently in New Zealand can apply for this programme. If you are an offshore international student, you can’t apply for this programme.

Recognition of prior learning

You can apply for recognition of prior learning for whole courses within this programme (rather than partial courses). Speak to us when you apply if you feel your prior learning may align with the courses we offer.

Selection criteria

If there are more applicants than places available, applicants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and the below criteria will be used:

• whether you’ve been employed in the training and development sector in the past three years (e.g., government, education, or corporate sectors) and had a substantial role in designing or developing learning experiences, and
• the strength of questions you answer during the application process and your structured resumé or CV.

You may have to attend an interview if we need more information. 

The above criteria will let us figure out your level and experience in learning design and development and your potential aptitude for working with a learning design environment. 

If the number of successful applicants exceeds the places available, we’ll use a waiting list and applicants will be offered a position in waiting list order if one becomes vacant.

Not quite ready to tackle this programme?

If you don’t feel quite ready to tackle this postgraduate programme, a good starting point would be the Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education. This programme will provide you with a formal qualification tailored directly to teaching at tertiary level. You’ll be able to study in a way that suits your current schedule and responsibilities and graduate able to design and facilitate inclusive learning in your tertiary cultural context.