Get a career in youth work by studying the New Zealand Diploma in Youth Work. Learn the skills that will help the young in our community to grow to be the best version of themselves.
Programme outline
The New Zealand Diploma in Youth Work (Level 6) aims to develop competent youth practitioners, who will enter the profession or the youth development sector. The programme provides training and education to ensure graduates meet the established industry competency standards for youth work.
Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge required to work in vocational roles, disciplines or contexts such as: youth work or youth development in a range of settings such as non-governmental organisations, justice/corrections, social services, residential and community, iwi services, mental health support, peer support, and those that operate in a cultural or faith-based context.
More detail about this qualification
Teaching and learning:
The programme is delivered by blended learning which includes block courses onsite at the Porirua campus and online learning, which you will need to self manage. You will need to have a computer and internet access at home for the online sessions.
A variety of teaching processes are used in the programme to enable the development of skills and knowledge and may include active learning, self-directed and tutor directed learning, online learning, tutorials, workplace learning (practicum), group work etc.
Year One
Provides a strong foundation of knowledge, values and skills for effective practice.
Year two
The focus shifts to the integration of theory with practice, and the development of independent and reflective practitioners who can make positive contributions to the youth development profession and other youth practitioners.
The practical work-based components of the programme prepare students for work as youth practitioners who integrate positive youth development principles into their practice.
The minimum practicum hours for this programme are:
75 hours at Level 5
YD5107: Entering professional practice
130 hours at Level 6
YD6211: Design, deliver and evaluate initiatives (50)
YD6204: Supporting youth participation (40)
YD6207: Developing professional practice (40)
September 2025
Porirua Campus
3 Wi Neera Dr,
Porirua,
Wellington,
5022, North Island, New Zealand
NCEA Level 3 or equivalent qualification/work experience and evidence of suitability. Suitability will be assessed with reference to the applicants health/wellbeing, safety check and referee reports. Once course numbers are met, students are wait-listed in order of the date on which their application was received.
International
IELTS 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5), or equivalent
TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT) - Score of 60 (with a writing score of 20)
Cambridge English Test - FCE with a pass at Grade B or CAE with a score of 52
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PToE (Academic) score of 50
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) - Level 4 with the Academic endorsement
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
