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Outdoor diploma abseiling field trip

Diploma in Outdoor Adventure Education (Level 5)

New Zealand Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Education (Multi-skilled) (Level 5)

SH2001

Course details

  • Jul 2024
    Feb 2025
  • One Year
  • $7,340*
  • Level 5
  • Hamilton Rotokauri Campus

Summary

The outdoor adventure industry is in demand for trained graduates. The Diploma in Outdoor Adventure Education (Level 5) will equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to enter the workplace. Students in this programme will learn to operate independently in outdoor environments to safely instruct or guide a range of activities.

This programme will cover a range of outdoor activities such as:

  • Outdoor Tikanga and kaitiakitanga
  • Outdoor leadership
  • Safety management
  • Mountaineering
  • Rock climbing and abseiling
  • Workplace experience

Learning takes place in class and online with on-site visits and a significant number of practical trips in the field. Field trips can be day trips, an overnight stay or 3-4 days away, where students can put their learning into practice.

The technical equipment needed for pursuit work will be provided by Wintec. Students will need to equip themselves with basic outdoor equipment, including:

  • Tramping boots
  • Sleeping bag
  • Tramping pack
  • Tramping boots
  • Raincoat
  • Overtrousers
  • Head torch

Graduates will contribute to the cultural, social, environmental and economic wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand.

View programme modules

Note: no value in the pre/co-requisite columns means there are no pre/co-requisites for that module.

Module Code Module Name Level Credits Pre-requisites Co-requisites
SPOE501Matatiki - Outdoor Tikanga and Kaitiakitanga515  
SPOE502Hautūtanga - Outdoor Leadership515  
SPOE503
Human Performance in the Outdoors515  
SPOE504Enviro Safety Management515  
SPOE505Advanced Outdoor Technical Development 1515  
SPOE506Advanced Outdoor Technical Development 2
515  
SPOE507Outdoor Pursuits Guiding515  
SPOE508Outdoor Workplace Practice - Practicum515  

Career/further opportunities

Graduates of this qualification may be eligible to apply for full registration on the New Zealand Register of Recreation Professionals (NZRRP).

Graduates may gain employment or become self-employed in roles such as: 

  • Adventure guide
  • Field instructor
  • An outdoor leader with an adventure education/recreation/tourism provider
  • Admin and support staff

Frequently asked questions

Where do people who have studied this programme at Wintec currently work?

Successful graduates of Wintec have gained employment from industry businesses, such as:

  • The Legendary Blackwater Rafting Co
  • Waitomo Caving Company
  • Abel Tasman Sea Kayaking
  • Raglan Rock and Caving Adventures
  • Ruapahu Alpine Lifts
  • Whanganui River Canoe Guides
  • Outdoor retailers; Macpac, Kathmandu, Equip Outdoors
  • Roles within NZ Outdoor Education Centers 

What roles have tutors for this programme worked in previously to Wintec?

Tutors of this programme have previously worked in various roles such as:

  • Outdoor education teachers for high schools
  • Guides for adventure tourism companies
  • Contract outdoor instructors
  • International adventure tourism staff
  • Business owners of private adventure tourism companies

What types of students best succeed in this programme?

Students who have a love for the outdoors who are motivated and organised individuals.

What should students know when entering this programme?

This programme is a practical course with paperwork and hands-on learning. Students will spend time learning in the field and practising their skills.

Disclaimers

Entry criteria

You can apply for this programme if you meet one or more of the below options.

Based on study completed after school (tertiary study)

  • Completed the Certificate in Outdoor Adventure Education (Level 4);
  • Completed a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 4; ​
  • A recognised equivalent; 
  • Or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.

Based on discretionary entrance

If you don’t meet any of the above options, and you think you have what it takes to complete this programme, you can apply for discretionary entrance. Your application may be accepted if you can demonstrate a good chance of success. Approval of discretionary entrance applications are decided by the relevant manager. If your application is approved, your acceptance into further programmes relies on you demonstrating success in this programme.

Selection criteria

a) Candidates are required in their applications to indicate whether they have had a physical or mental condition. Candidates should be aware that some types of physical or mental conditions may prevent them from participating in physical elements of the programme and/or work experience placements.

b) Candidates admitted into the programme based on discretionary entrance will be required to present a portfolio of relevant experience.

c) Candidates will also be required to:

i) Have a current comprehensive First Aid Certificate or acquire one within three months of commencing the programme; and
ii) Have a level of fitness sufficient to fulfil the practical requirements of the programme.

English language requirements

Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 5.5 in the academic band, with no individual band score lower than 5.0; or equivalent.

Want to see full details of the entry criteria?
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Pathways

To check what you need to gain entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.

Your first day

Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.

Semester 2 2024

Whānau evening
Date: Monday 15 July 2024
Time: 4pm-6pm
Venue: Q Block foyer, Rotokauri Campus

Induction
Date: Tuesday 16 July 2024
Time: 9am-3pm
Venue: Q Block foyer, Rotokauri Campus

What you will need

Please bring a pen and notebook on your first day. We also recommended that, where possible, you have access to a personal device like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. 

You will also need to bring ID documents for Police vetting. Please click here for more information about the Vulnerable Children's Act, the safety checking process, and what forms of ID you need to bring.

Timetable information

All Wintec timetables are available online here.

How to find your way around

Campus maps can be found here.

Parking and bus information

Both the Rotokauri and City campuses have parking available - permits are required. Learn more about parking and find out about discounted bus services here.

He reo pōwhiri, your official welcome to Wintec

Tēnei te mihi mahana ki a koe e piki nei, e kake nei ki te Kuratini o Waikato.

You are warmly invited to attend the official welcome to Wintec for all new students, staff and whānau (family) at either our marae, Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa or Rotokauri campus. The pōwhiri is a welcoming ceremony involving mihimihi (speeches), waiata (singing), and will conclude with kai timotimo (light refreshments). Please gather at the campus hubs, and a staff member will guide you through our pōwhiri.

Click here to find out when the next pōwhiri will be.

Paying for your study

Course-related costs

Additional information

You will need the below essential gear items within the first two weeks of the course:

  • ​Fleece, wool or poly-pro clothing
  • Three-four season sleeping bag and sleeping mat
  • Large pack (approximately 65 Litres or larger)
  • Waterproof raincoat/jacket with hood
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat
  • Head torch and batteries
  • Swimsuit​​ 

You will need the items below within eight weeks:

  • Lots of fleece, wool, or polypro clothing
  • Day pack
  • Hiking boots (minimum 3 seasons, suitable for bush and mountain)
  • Gloves and hat
  • Small personal first aid kit
  • Spoon, mug, bowl etc 
  • Compass- designed for outdoor navigation
  • Notepad (waterproof ideally) and pen
  • Gaiters​

Booklist

Purchasing textbooks

If your programme requires you to have access to textbooks, these can be purchased through a range of suppliers listed below:

    New Zealand-based suppliers

    General book suppliers

    First aid certificate

    Health status

    Uniform

    Equipment

    Clinical placement

    Prospectus (course guide)

    The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.

    Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus

    The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.

    Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus

    Portfolio

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