Certificate in Land Skills (Level 2)
- Dunedin
- 8 weeks full-time; not available part-time
- Level 2
- Starts May, July and October
- Apply anytime
Looking for a way to get some practical learning and increase your chances of getting a job? This programme has a great mix of study and hands-on learning. It will give you the skills you need to work in farming, horticulture, conservation or other outdoor-related areas. You’ll do practical workshops, 150 hours of work experience, volunteer in the community and build your skills in reading, writing, maths, computing and using Te Reo.
New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2)
- Dunedin Campus
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time options
- Level 2
- Starts February and July
- Apply until start date
This foundation level programme is a great option if you want to re-engage with study and gain confidence and skills to enter the workforce. You will undertake community work, volunteering and/or practical trade learning at Otago Polytechnic. This will enable you to gain industry experience and knowledge in your chosen career pathway.
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) with a focus on Study or Work
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time options
- Level 3
- Starts February and July
- Apply until start date
This programme offers you the chance to improve your study skills and prepare for higher level learning or employment. It includes either a general study context or a work context. Along with improving your reading, writing, presenting and computer skills, you will also gain valuable employability skills such as CV and interview preparation, and how to write a cover letter. Depending on the course you choose, this programme offers practical workshops and community volunteering opportunities.
New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time over two years (you will study during semester one in both year one and two)
- Level 4
- Starts February
- Apply by end of January
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication or Fashion) or the Bachelor of Visual Arts, or prepare for a junior role in a creative workplace. During this open entry programme, you'll develop your research skills, learn about creative processes and materials, and create your own art and design projects. Many students then move into our New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4) or the New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4) to gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study. Studying these Level 4 certificates could also lead to a negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time over two years (you will study during semester one in both year one and two)
- Level 4
- Starts 18 July 2022
- Apply by 30 June
Learn how to be creative on the computer! Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5), Bachelor of Design (Communication), or Bachelor of Visual Arts, or prepare for a junior role in a creative digital workplace. During this open entry programme, you'll develop your skills in graphic design, digital photography, web design, digital illustration, animation and interactivity. By studying the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) before you do this programme, you'll gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study. Studying these Level 4 certificates could also lead to a negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; two years part-time
- Level 4
- Starts 18 July 2022
- Apply by 30 June
Got a passion for fashion and wondering how to get a career in the fashion industry? Look no further! Embark on this hands-on qualification to get the technical skills, knowledge and industry-awareness you need for further study in the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) or to gain entry-level roles assisting with design, styling, retail/merchandising, and basic garment construction.
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) with a focus on Beauty
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; not available part-time
- Level 3
- Starts February and July
- Apply until start date
Gain foundation communication, career and study skills, as well as specific knowledge of human biological science and practical beauty skills. Successful completion of this programme will give you a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) and ensure you meet the academic entry requirements for our New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4).
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) with a focus on Business
- Dunedin and Auckland (international students only)
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time options available in Dunedin
- Level 4
- Starts Dunedin: February and July; Auckland: February, April, July and October
- Apply until start date
Want to gain the skills needed for higher level learning? This Certificate will teach you what is needed for diploma- and degree-level study in a business context. Successful completion will guarantee you entry into the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5), New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) or the Bachelor of Applied Management as long as you meet the stated English Language requirements for the specific programme,
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) with a focus on Engineering
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; not available part-time
- Level 3
- Starts July
- Apply now
Now you can start your journey to becoming an engineering technician no matter what your academic background! Successful completion of this programme will give you a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) and enable entry into our New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical or Electrical).
New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; two years part-time
- Level 4
- Starts 18 July 2022
- Apply by 30 June
Got a passion for fashion and wondering how to get a career in the fashion industry? Look no further! Embark on this hands-on qualification to get the technical skills, knowledge and industry-awareness you need for further study in the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) or to gain entry-level roles assisting with design, styling, retail/merchandising, and basic garment construction.
Health Bridging Certificate (Level 3 and 4)
- Dunedin or online with compulsory block courses
- Across one year full-time (17 weeks per level) or two years part-time
- Level 3 and 4
- Starts February
- Apply now
Don’t have the academic requirements you need to enter one of our diploma- or degree-level healthcare programmes? No problem. By studying courses such as Function of the Human Body and an Introduction to Careers in Health, you will be well-prepared to apply for your chosen diploma or degree. This programme is made up of two qualifications - the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) with a health context and the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) with a health context.
Health Bridging Certificate (Level 4 only)
- Dunedin or online with compulsory block courses
- 17 weeks full-time or one year part-time
- Level 4
- Starts July
- Apply now
This Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the entry requirements for our diploma- or degree-level health programmes. To enter directly into Level 4, you need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (our Level 3 Health Bridging certificate), or equivalent. If you don't hold that qualification, you'll need to do the Level 3 and Level 4 programme which starts in February.
New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; one year part-time
- Level 4
- Starts February or July
- Apply until start date
Want to develop great IT foundation skills and gain valuable practical experience? How about doing that and getting guaranteed entry into our IT degree? This programme is your first step to gaining great introductory skills across a range of IT areas. You’ll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment and, with small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced teachers. Courses include Web Development, Programming, Computer Essentials and IT Industry Skills. When you finish and graduate, you'll have guaranteed entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology! Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any living costs).
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) with a focus on Tourism
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; not available part-time
- Level 4
- Starts February 2023
- Apply until start date
Adventurous, friendly and enthusiastic? Enjoy meeting new people and keen to travel? Then the tourism industry could be for you and this hands-on programme is the perfect first step to discovering that. You'll gain a great understanding of the tourism and travel industry whilst developing your study skills and getting a taste of what studying at a Polytechnic is all about. Graduates will be able to work in a variety of roles in the tourism industry or may choose to continue with study. By successfully completing this programme, you will have guaranteed entry* into the New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5), New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) and Bachelor of Applied Management (*as long as you meet the stated English Language requirement).
New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3) (Companion Animals) or (Rural Animals)
- Starts anytime
- Apply anytime
