Study mid-year

We've got a wide range of programmes starting soon to help you take that next step—whether you're changing direction, upskilling, or getting started after a break. 

Explore all mid-year programmes

Many of our programmes can be studied part-time, so you can make study work with your busy life. Explore your options below or get in touch and we can help you find the study option that suits you best.

Accounting

New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

This programme is delivered flexibly outside core working hours, so you can get qualified at a time that suits you and your whānau. You’ll learn by studying online, and communicate with your programme lecturers online.

New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Already working in the financial services sector and keen to upskill? This programme is designed to help you become an expert with specialised knowledge, practical skills and proficiency in financial services operations to excel in your field. 

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) - Accounting

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Learn how to prepare budgets, evaluate business performance, determine internal controls to minimise financial risk, and analyse and interpret financial information to inform decision-making. Graduates will be able to be employed in a variety of business entities in roles such as Accounting Technician, Accounts Receivable/Payable Officer, Payroll Officer, or Finance Administrator.

Bachelor of Accounting

Full-time and part-time | Starts in July

With this programme, you will be able to operate in accounting-related roles for a range of industries and organisations at both operational and strategic levels, and will be equipped to meet the educational requirements for membership of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and Certified Practising Accountant Australia (CPA).

Graduate Diploma in Accounting

Full-time and part-time | Starts in July

This qualification could be useful if you’re seeking a promotion within your current job or if you want to complement your existing knowledge. You’ll learn how to record and process financial transactions and prepare financial statements and cash budgets for entities in accordance with current accounting practices in New Zealand. Courses* include Intermediate/Advanced Management Accounting, Intermediate/Advanced Financial Accounting, Taxation in New Zealand and Organisational Research Design.

Animal Health

New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3) (Companion Animals)

Full-time | Starts in July

It’s a great first step if you want to enter an animal-related profession such as SPCA work, pet shop work or kennel and cattery animal care.

New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

This programme has been designed to create a solid training pathway for those wanting a career as an Animal Healthcare Assistant. There are two different focus areas to choose from: Companion Animal Healthcare or Rural Animal Healthcare. Both focus areas include 240 hours of work placement.

Certificate in Avian Wildlife Healthcare (Veterinary Nurses) (Level 6)

Part-time | Starts on June 30

Study online with a work placement at the Wildlife Hospital in Dunedin. This programme is suitable for qualified veterinary nurses wanting to improve their skills in avian wildlife healthcare, with a focus on patient support and management. 

Certificate in Avian Wildlife Healthcare (Veterinarian) (Level 7) 

Part-time | Starts on June 30

Study online with a work placement at the Wildlife Hospital in Dunedin. This programme is suitable for registered Veterinarians who want to improve their skills in avian wildlife triage, diagnostics, medicine, surgery and anaesthesia. 

Applied Management

Bachelor of Applied Management

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Gain a business degree based on real-world knowledge and develop the skills and capabilities to work in a range of management environments at operational and strategic levels. This programme has industry experience at its centre, incorporating case studies, workplace-based or focused assignments, and a major internship and associated research project.

Postgraduate study | Applied Management

We have a range of options available to you to enhance your expertise. Most of our are structured in a way to allow you flexibility to focus on the topics that matter to you in your career growth.

Our postgraduate programmes have a strong inclination towards research and critical thinking. Meaning, you’ll test and grow your own leadership skills by investigating innovative ways to solve industry/organisational issues.

Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Management 

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

A perfect start for you if you want to improve your ability, skills and confidence in management. You will gain knowledge to manage complex organisations and conduct research for small-scale professional projects, and match your learning with the employment opportunities you want. This programme could also lead into our advanced postgraduate qualifications.


Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Management (Business Management)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

This programme will improve your management ability through an array of course options. The flexibility within this qualification will also enable you to match your coursework to specific employment opportunities.

Master of Applied Management (Business Management)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

If you want to gain a thorough understanding of management, this is the programme for you. You will have the flexibility to choose between research or an applied approach to fit your learning needs. Whatever your career plans, you will gain the specialised management and leadership knowledge to be an effective leader.

Architecture

Master of Architecture (Professional)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

This two-year programme is the final academic step in your pathway to becoming a Registered Architect and we're the only provider to offer this qualification in the South Island. You’ll develop advanced knowledge of complex architectural and heritage design opportunities in New Zealand, undertake a major research project, and explore what it takes to collaboratively create first-class architectural works that promote ethical and ecologically sustainable approaches. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to select a wide range of elective courses and do 480 hours of work experience, giving you valuable industry insights and experience.

Art

New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)

Full-time | Starts July 14

Across a series of hands-on projects, you’ll build your creative skills and identify your strengths and the areas that you most enjoy. Courses will include jewellery, textiles, and product design, and you’ll enjoy working in our purpose-built studios.

Bachelor of Visual Arts

Full-time | Starts in July

In our degree you will gain a broad experience of all our studio disciplines before specialising in one during your second and third years. Our school has preserved a strong studio workshop culture and complements this specialist teaching with study in Art History and Theory, Studio Methodologies and Professional Practices courses. You will get to exhibit work each year and will take part in a large-scale public exhibition in your final year.

Dunedin School of Art | Postgraduate study

We offer a wide range of postgraduate art programmes. Benefit from our world-class resources, flexible study options and hands-on research methodologies.

Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Ideal if you want to develop research skills in studio and theory, or pursue further postgraduate study. By the end of the programme, you will produce a body of critically engaged studio work, supported by a conceptual research paper.

Postgraduate Certificate in Visual Arts

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

If you want a taster of postgraduate study in visual arts, this programme is for you. You will develop studio work and write an essay on an aspect of related research methodology.

Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Arts

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

The perfect opportunity to undertake practical and theory-based guided art research. Develop and display mastery of the professional, technical and conceptual skills through an original exhibition and associated writing. The Master of Visual Arts is a logical extension to this programme if you decide to continue your study journey.

Master of Visual Arts

Flexible intakes

Deep dive into practical- and theory-based research through this advanced qualification. In semester one, you will develop studio work, an oral seminar paper and an essay for critical feedback. You will build on this work in semester two by producing an original exhibition and an extended 7,500-word essay.

Master of Fine Arts

Starts in September

This degree is suitable for you if you want to become a professional arts practitioner. You will carry out original research culminating with a public exhibition and dissertation.

 

Avalanche Safety

Taught by New Zealand’s most experienced and qualified avalanche professionals, our Avalanche Risk Management programmes will provide you with advanced knowledge in snow science to ensure the safety of people and assets in alpine areas.  

New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5) 

Full-time | Starts May, June, July

This programme provides the first level of professional training available in this field, enabling participants to work in all sectors of the avalanche industry.

 

Beekeeping (Apiculture)

New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3)

Part-time | Starts in September

During this programme, you’ll manage your own beehives, gaining skills and knowledge along the way. You’ll meet commercial apiarists in your local area and have the chance to complete an American Foulbrood disease recognition course. Topics include bee behaviour and life cycle, beekeeping equipment, hive management, harvesting and extracting honey, and suitable bee forage plants. Pathway into our Level 4 programmes.

New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 4)

Part-time | Starts in September

Gain the skills to operate as a Leading Hand in a commercial operation or to run your own commercial operation. This programme is for people who are single source, comb, or medical grade mānuka honey producers, pollination service providers or self-marketing producers.

New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Queen Bee Rearing) (Level 4)

Part-time | Starts in September

This programme will teach you how to rear queen bees for a commercial operation or to operate your own queenrearing operation. You’ll be able to work independently or supervise others.

Bike Mechanics

New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Servicing (Level 3)

Full-time | | Starts in July

Learn to install, adjust and service an extensive range of bicycle systems and components including frames, suspension, steering, braking, drive train and wheels. You’ll discover how to safely and efficiently assemble bicycles, components, parts and accessories whilst working in a professional bicycle workshop using best practice techniques. In addition, you’ll gain knowledge of the local and global bicycle industry, including relevant consumer protection legislation and safety standards.

New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics (Level 4)

Full-time | Starts in July

Learn more advanced techniques such as wheel building, suspension servicing, frame preparation and e-Bike diagnostics while further developing your current mechanical knowledge to methodically diagnose, repair, overhaul and rebuild bicycles and components. You will also learn ergonomic bike fit best practices and build your industry and product knowledge. This will be put to use through researching and designing bicycle solutions to meet the needs of specific riders and events.

 

Business

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) - Leadership and Management

Full-time and part-time | Starts in July

Focus on the skills you need to work effectively and successfully in a range of operational roles in business with this industry-relevant qualification. Among other things, you’ll learn how to lead others to implement activities that result in high productivity, manage projects within scope, resources and time, and develop a positive workplace culture. Courses include Business Planning, Introduction to Leadership and Managing Projects. Graduates are eligible to enter the second year of our Bachelor of Applied Management

Design

New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Build your portfolio for further study in fashion or prepare for entry-level roles in the fashion industry assisting with design, styling, retail/merchandising and basic garment construction. You will learn about fashion design and textiles concepts, fashion industry practice, and fashion production as you develop fashion garments and outcomes. This studio work becomes your portfolio with which to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Fashion).

Graduate Diploma in Design (Specialty)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Add a specialist area to your existing degree, or if you are a professional designer or practitioner, develop practical skills and studio project experience to build your existing knowledge.

Digital Media

New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication) or prepare for a junior role in a creative digital workplace. This programme will also prepare you for the Bachelor of Visual Arts

Engineering

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Engineering

Full-time | Starts in July

Start here to prepare for diploma-level study in engineering. Successful completion will ensure you meet the academic entry requirements for our New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical or Electrical).

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) or (Electrical) or (Mechanical)

Part-time | Starts in July

Accredited by Engineering New Zealand, this practical programme meets the standards required for the Dublin and Sydney International Engineering Accords – meaning it’s highly respected and recognised nationally and internationally.

Bachelor of Engineering Technology

Part-time | Starts in July 

Accredited by Engineering New Zealand, this programme meets the standards required for the Dublin and Sydney International Engineering Accords – meaning it’s highlyrespected and recognised nationally and internationally. It will prepare you to become an Engineering Technologist.

English Language

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Perfect for you if you can already use pre-intermediate English and want to improve at an intermediate level in an academic context.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 3)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

For you if you can already use simple English (low-intermediate), and want to improve for both study and work.

New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

This is for upper-intermediate English speakers who want to further enhance their English skills for professional or academic purposes. You can go from here into most of our programmes - certificates, diplomas and bachelor's degrees.

 

Fashion Design

New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Build your portfolio for further study in fashion or prepare for entry-level roles in the fashion industry assisting with design, styling, retail/merchandising and basic garment construction. You will learn about fashion design and textiles concepts, fashion industry practice, and fashion production as you develop fashion garments and outcomes. This studio work becomes your portfolio with which to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Fashion).

Foundation skills and pathways

New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2)

Full-time or part-time | Starts July 14

This is a great option if you want to re-engage with study or want to get a feel for what polytechnic study is like. Along with developing your study skills (reading, writing, maths, computing), you’ll also undertake community work, volunteering and/or practical learning.

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3)

Full-time or part-time | Starts July 14

Whatever your background, this programme gives you the chance to improve your study skills and prepare for higherlevel learning or employment. Our class sizes are small and our lecturers are really approachable and supportive.

Gym and personal training

New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Start on your path to becoming a Personal Trainer. Learn how to teach foundation exercises, gain an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, apply basic nutritional, psychological and cultural concepts, and discover how the role of behaviour change can lead to lasting results for your clients. 


New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Further the skills and knowledge you need to become a Personal Trainer. With this hands-on qualification, you’ll discover how to teach advanced excercises and more thoroughly plan, implement and evaluate exercise programmes. By delving deeper into nutrition, culture and behaviour, you’ll be fully prepped to work with clients in a holistic manner.

Health

Health Bridging Certificate (Level 4 only)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July 

This Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the academic entry requirements for our diploma- or degree-level health programmes. 

 

Horticulture

New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Nursery Production) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) (Level 4)

Full-time | Starts in July

This one-year programme combines our level 3 and level 4 qualifications to fast-track you to a career in horticulture. You'll gain the skills and knowledge that horticulturists need when employed in orchards, vineyards, nurseries or any other major commercial operation.

New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) (Level 4) - work based

Part-time | Flexible intake

Learn while working in the fruit production or viticulture industry. Enjoy a 50/50 mix of theory and practical study, and use your workplace as a setting to practice your developing skills.

New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) (Level 4) - on campus

Part-time | Starts in July

Learn on campus at our ten-hectare crop production facility, where wine grapes and cherries are grown. Enjoy a 50-50 mix of theoretical and practical studies, and undertake work experience within Central Otago's extensive horticulture industry.

 

Hospitality

New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3)

Full-time | Starts in July

Gain valuable work-ready skills for an entry-level role as a qualified Food and Beverage Attendant. Learn about professional café and bar service, including counter and table service, food preparation, cocktails service, and barista (coffee-making) techniques.

Information Technology

New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Build your IT skills across a range of areas and get guaranteed entry to our Bachelor of Information Technology when you graduate.

Bachelor of Information Technology 

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

During this hands-on degree, you'll cover a broad general knowledge of IT, then focus on an area that interests you most. Courses include Game Development, Automation and Robots, Mobile App Development, UX Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing.

Graduate Certificate in Information Technology (Level 7)

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Ideal for those who have a degree in another subject and want to develop their computing skills, or for IT graduates who want to enhance their knowledge in specialist areas. This programme can also be studied part-time alongside full-time employment. 

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Develop your IT expertise or increase your knowledge in interactive media, hardware, programming, databases, communications, business or networks/operating systems.

Midwifery

Recertification and Registration Competence Programme for New Zealand Midwives and Overseas Midwives

Part-time | Flexible intakes

We offer three hands-on courses, approved by the Midwifery Council, as part of the Registration Competence Programme for overseas midwives and Recertification Programme for New Zealand registered midwives.

Postgraduate Certificate in Midwifery Practice

Full-time or part-time | Starts July, October

If you're a registered midwife and want to extend your expertise, this programme is for you. The online learning option allows you to study from home and participate in online discussions. This programme also takes you one step closer to more advanced midwifery qualifications.

Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery

Full-time or part-time | Starts July, October

This advanced qualification can help you extend your knowledge in midwifery. It will enable critical thinking and research in your practice while you analyse your experiences as a midwife. You can also build upon this qualification with a Master of Midwifery.  

Master of Midwifery

Full-time or part-time | Starts July

Choose this intensive programme if you want to pursue independent research and scholarship. This internationally recognised programme has a strong focus on research and theory. You can also build on your Postgraduate Diploma with another year to achieve the degree. 

Occupational Therapy

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Part-time | By negotiation, you’ll discuss your path of study with us. 

This programme is delivered through a blend of online learning, face-to-face teaching, real-life scenarios and community experiences. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to apply for registration to the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ) and this programme is recognised internationally.

Sport Science

Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

Deepen your knowledge and understanding of sport/exercise. Choose to specialise in performance analysis, physical conditioning or exercise prescription, and apply your learnings through industry experience during your study. A course in professional development will then prepare you to work within the industry and assist you to understand your learning needs.

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science

Full-time or part-time | Starts in July

An advanced sport/exercise programme. Choose to specialise in performance analysis, physical conditioning or exercise prescription. This programme has a wider and more encompassing scope than the Postgraduate Certificate. You’ll study a course in professional development which will prepare you to work within the industry and study a focus topic to deepen your learning in a specific area. Graduates will be eligible for relevant industry accreditations as well.

Master of Applied Science

Full-time or part-time | Starts in August

This programme is for you if you want to demonstrate mastery in the field. This qualification prepares you for a doctoral level study, an academic career or leadership roles in sport or exercise. You will have the choice to complete your degree by research or practice.

Teaching

New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 5)

Part-time | Starts July 14

Employed as an adult educator and want to build on your skills and knowledge? This work-based programme allows you to study in work, for work. Study is a combination of facilitated, self-directed and work-based learning. This programme is a required qualification for employment at some tertiary institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Trades & Pre-trades

Carpentry

New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry) (Level 3)

Full-time | Starts in July

Get the foundational skills and knowledge of worksite safety and tools, providing you with a head-start for a future apprenticeship. 

Painting and decorating

New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Allied Trades) (Level 3)

Full-time | Starts in July

Get the skills and practical experience you need to become a qualified Painter and Decorator. Qualified tradespeople are in high demand throughout New Zealand due to the amount of current and forecasted building projects.

Plumbing and drainlaying

New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3)

Full-time | Starts in July

Gain work-ready skills with this pre-apprenticeship qualification. As part of your apprenticeship, you will learn to perform basic tasks under supervision through our on-the-job simulations. 

Automotive engineering

New Zealand Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5)

Part-time | Starts in July, October

This programme is designed for experienced automotive engineering technicians who want to work in an advanced technical role, specialising in electric vehicles. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to diagnose and repair faults in electric and hybrid vehicles and machines.

Get advice

We know these decisions aren’t easy to make which is why we have a dedicated team of advisors to support you. They’re here to help answer any questions you may have. 

Email info@op.ac.nz or fill out the form below.

You can also call us at 0800 762 786. Our team is available Monday-Friday, 8.30am - 5pm. 

Phone number e.g. 027 XXX XXXXX

Contact us

If you want to know more about what we offer or you would like some guidance, we're here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.