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New Zealand Diploma in Pregnancy, Childbirth and Early Parenting Education

Course details

New Zealand Diploma in Pregnancy, Childbirth and Early Parenting Education
NZQF Level 5

About the course

Gain the knowledge to educate and guide people through the transition to parenting.

This two-year, part-time programme is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to facilitate quality, informed pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting education.

Using a blended delivery model combining online and face-to-face learning, this programme can be studied anywhere in New Zealand. It requires a commitment of 20 hours study per week, plus attendance at two, three-day wānanga/intensive at the City campus (Christchurch).

The diploma covers knowledge relating to anatomy, physiology, psychology and sociology of the child-bearing years; pregnancy; labour and childbirth; infant nutrition and breastfeeding; early parenting and child health; cultural awareness and cultural safety; determinants of health; and the Treaty of Waitangi.

Aspects of teaching that are covered include: communication, teaching theories, group dynamics, effective lesson planning, course design analysis, and assessment and evaluation processes. During your studies you'll use a range of assessment methods informed by contemporary research to enhance learning. You'll also evaluate your own teaching performance to improve client learning and programme outcomes.

In addition to your theory studies, you'll undertake significant work-integrated learning alongside a qualified antenatal educator. This ensures continuous integration with the theoretical components of the course, allowing you to develop your competence and confidence in preparation for facilitating PCEPE sessions.

Upon completion of this programme you'll be a knowledgeable facilitator of adult learning, able to plan, implement and evaluate effective pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting programmes that are evidence-based and aligned with community needs.

*This programme is delivered using a mix of online and face-to-face learning. It includes two, three-day wānanga/intensives at the City campus (Christchurch).

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

NCEA Level 2

Note: Students who have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), will be assessed 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.

Additional requirements

In addition you need to:

Submit the completed Application to Study form with the requested information. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year.
Consent to Disclosure of Information
Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form. The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Programme Leader. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports.
Include a written statement (500 words) or a two minute video or audio file (such as mp3) answering the questions below:
What is your understanding of the role of a Transition to Parenting (TtP) educator?
How do you see this role relating to the needs of the community?
Why do you want to become a TtP educatory?
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, Pearson 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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