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New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4)

Course details

New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 4)
NZQF Level 4

About the course

Learn how to lead others confidently in outdoor pursuits.

Taught by some of the most qualified educators and instructors in the country, this programme will give you skills across a range of outdoor activities and enable you to lead others in some of those activities, under supervision in low-risk outdoor environments. It covers adventure leadership, performance and health, kaitiakitanga and environmental education, sea kayaking, rock climbing, bush walking and leadership in mountain biking and bush walking.

You'll learn about equipment, weather, local conditions, logistics and safety management, leadership theories, sustainability, performance, cultural and environmental respect. Work-integrated learning plays a big part, with interactive activities simulating real-world work situations as much as possible.

In addition to gaining this qualification, you'll also acquire the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association Bush Leader award as part of your studies.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

NCEA Level 1 (80 credits at level 1, including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits).

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative requirements

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.

Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace. Contact Ara for advice.

Additional requirements

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. Please return the completed form to Ara.
Hold a current First Aid Certificate at the time the programme starts. First Aid training can be completed through St John or Red Cross.
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.

Information for Students

You will need access to all personal equipment and clothing for activities (recommended list provided to applicants).

English requirements

What if English is not my first language?

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.

OR

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.

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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