New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6)

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 requirements

• New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5) OR equivalent.
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

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.

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.