Year One of the Diploma in Youth and Community Studies

The first year of the Diploma is a 120 credit course set at level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework, you can exit at the end of this year with a Certificate in Youth Work (level 4). The first year is only available as a full time course. You can complete it on on its own, or as part of an internship with one of our partner groups. 

The full-time course will run from February 11th to November 21st 2009. Classes are not held during the school holidays but you are expected to help with holiday programmes and camps in your community.

You can access the course by either attending classes:

• In Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland (see Local Programme). Please Note: Classes will only run as local programmes in 2009 if there are sufficient students. If there are not enough enrolments, students in these centres will be part of the Regional Programme.
• Through a mix of block courses and local tutorial groups from anywhere else in NZ or Australia (see Regional Programme)

Local Programme

If you live in Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland:

You will have two days of classes per week. Your practical work with your agency will take place outside of these days (which is normally at least two more days per week). If you plan to study in one of these studies for the year, and would like help to find an agency, please discuss this with us as soon as possible.

Your course will start with a retreat (usually 4-5 days). During the year your class will also attend four residential Workshops of 4 - 6 days each. These are times when all of the students around the country get together for lectures and assessments. They usually include a stay at a marae or campsite. Dates for these trips are available in the student section of this website.

Regional Programme

If you live any where else in the country - or work on a campsite:

You will have three block courses of 12 days each and two of 8 days to attend over the year. You will also meet with a tutor in your region for up to half a day per week in between block courses.

Most of your lectures will be offered through these block courses, and you will be given assignment work to take home after each one. Outside of block courses, you are expected to work with your agency for at least 3 days per week.

Your block courses will be spread between Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. If you want to focus on community work, you will also have the option of completing one of your block courses in Melbourne in July (travel will be an extra cost). We can help you find accommodation if you need it at any of the block courses (let us know in plenty of time). Your travel to and accomodation is at your own cost (we cover food and accommodation at Workshops).

We strongly recommend that all Regional students have regular access to a computer with email or internet.

Dates for the 2009 block courses will be available shortly: