New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6)

This certificate will provide you with the highest level of avalanche training available in New Zealand. You will enjoy being taught by the professionals and graduate with the ability to assume supervisory roles in all sectors of the industry. Your study will combine online theory with practical blocks comprising on-snow training and assessment.

Domestic

Duration
2 Years Part-time
Level
6
Credits
70
Fees
$4,958
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
Online with block course(s)
Location
Online
Wanaka
Intakes
Flexible

International

Duration
2 Years Part-time
Level
6
Credits
70
Fees
$14,849
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
Online with block course(s)
Location
Online
Wanaka
Intakes
Flexible

What You Study

Courses

Course name Credits
Decision Making and Operational Performance (theory) 15
Terrain and Snowpack Theory (theory)  15
Applied Avalanche Studies (practical recorded mentored feedback) 15
Field Training (theory and six-day practical block course) 15
Integrated Practical Application (seven-day final practical block course) 10

Workload

Your workload 

This programme takes 20 weeks over one to two years (part-time) to complete. It will include: 

  • online teaching and learning where learners will work through exercises and formative assessment to reinforce the learning
  • a practical block where learners can consolidate their field-based skills several weeks prior to the integrated practical application block, where the final assessments take place
  • further learning opportunities incorporating a reflective logbook, requiring mentored feedback that is mostly done in an operational (workplace) setting
  • a range of assessment methods including practical (field) assessment, written assignments, presentations and written exams.

Dates for the online study component are flexible but there are certain completion requirements prior to attending the field training and integrated practical assessments which take place in Wānaka.

  • Field training: 21 - 26 July 2024
  • Integrated Practical Assessment (IPA): 2 - 8 September 2024

Entry

Entry requirements

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Selection process

All applicants who meet the entry criteria are eligible for selection. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, students will be placed on a waiting list in the order that they applied.

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email central@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.

Fees

Domestic fees

Full tuition
Standard
$4,958

International fees

Full tuition
Standard
$14,849

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. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.

Application

Need more info?

To have a chat about the programme before applying, please contact the Programme Manager peter.bilous@op.ac.nz 

A change for 2023 enrolments

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

Get in touch

0800 762 786
International +64 3 477 3014
Email: info@op.ac.nz