Certificate in Bicultural Competency (Level 4)
Develop a practical knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori as appropriate within the workplace, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and its socio-political impact within iwi and location-specific contexts in Aotearoa. You will develop an understanding of your own position in a bicultural New Zealand context by building a base upon which to develop your cultural competency skills.
Domestic
About the programme
Develop a practical knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori as appropriate within the workplace, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and its socio-political impact within iwi and location-specific contexts in Aotearoa.
You will also develop your understanding of your own position in a bicultural New Zealand context by building a base upon which to develop your cultural competency skills.
During this certificate, you will identify te reo words and phrases that are both relevant and applicable to your workplace context. Likewise, the tikanga content will rely on you showing an understanding and an active application of tikanga concepts and practices as they relate to particular workplace and industry contexts. The Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi content will rely on you showing a working understanding of the historical aspect of Te Tiriti/the Treaty and its contemporary impact on socio-political-economic factors in the iwi/hapu takiwā that you live and/or work in.
Delivered through the principles of Wānanga and Ako, you will be encouraged to explore differing views and reflect on your own beliefs and values, whilst recognising the validity of views other than your own. Otago Polytechnic’s Memorandum of Understanding with Kāi Tahu and Ngāi Māori will ensure that learners benefit from the input of local iwi knowledge in all aspects from content and delivery to assessment and moderation.
This certificate is intended for individuals who are working in any public or private entity that states that it is a responsive Treaty partner. Cultural competency has been identified as a key factor in developing organisational effectiveness; it is also an important global transferable skill. The learning and knowledge you, therefore, gain during this certificate will enhance your employment opportunities both within Aotearoa and internationally.
International
About the programme
Develop a practical knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori as appropriate within the workplace, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and its socio-political impact within iwi and location-specific contexts in Aotearoa.
You will also develop your understanding of your own position in a bi-cultural New Zealand context by building a base upon which to develop your cultural competency skills.
During this certificate, you will identify te reo words and phrases that are both relevant and applicable to your workplace context. Likewise, the tikanga content will rely on you showing an understanding and an active application of tikanga concepts and practices as they relate to particular workplace and industry contexts. The Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi content will rely on you showing a working understanding of the historical aspect of Te Tiriti/the Treaty and its contemporary impact on socio-political-economic factors in the iwi/hapu takiwā that you live and/or work in.
Delivered through the principles of Wānanga and Ako, you will be encouraged to explore differing views and reflect on your own beliefs and values, whilst recognising the validity of views other than your own. Otago Polytechnic’s Memorandum of Understanding with Kāi Tahu and Ngāi Māori will ensure that learners benefit from the input of local iwi knowledge in all aspects from content and delivery to assessment and moderation.
This certificate is intended for individuals who are working in any public or private entity that states that it is a responsive Treaty partner. Cultural competency has been identified as a key factor in developing organisational effectiveness; it is also an important global transferable skill. The learning and knowledge you, therefore, gain during this certificate will enhance your employment opportunities both within Aotearoa and internationally.
What You Study
Courses
| Course | Description | Credits |
| Te Reo Māori for the Workplace |
Learning outcomes
Indicative content
|
5 |
| Tikanga Māori in the Organisation |
Learning outcomes
Indicative content
|
5 |
| Introduction to Te Tiriti o Waitangi |
Learning outcomes
Indicative content
|
10 |
| Bi-cultural Competency |
Learning outcomes
Indicative content
|
10 |
Workload
Your workload
All study is highly-structured, guided and self-directed and you will need to have good time management skills. As a part-time student, you should typically aim for around 15 hours of study per week.
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level.
- International students should have an overall academic IELTS of at least 5.5 (academic, no band score lower than 5.0) achieved in one test completed in the last two years
-
Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection criteria
If the number of applicants exceed the available places, a waitlist will be used to ensure preference is given to applicants in order of application.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Student loans and allowances
As this certificate is delivered part-time, learners are not eligible for student loans and allowances.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
Member of the public
We have an intake starting in March for members of the public.
When selecting your intake on the application form, please select Distance, and then the Public online option.
Otago Polytechnic staff member
We have a Dunedin-based option for Otago Polytechnic staff, or a distance option, starting in February.
When applying via our application form, please select either:
- Dunedin, then OP staff only, or
- Distance, OP staff online.
Want more info?
If you want more information, have any questions or just want to have a chat with someone before applying, please email Bicultural.competency@op.ac.nz
