New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5)
This qualification gives you an advanced understanding of anatomy and physiology. You’ll learn clinical techniques and theory, and have the opportunity to apply what you learn in our massage clinic, with real clients.
Domestic
About the programme
Develop the skills and understanding needed to provide massage and support clients to improve their wellness.
Learn about anatomy and physiology, relaxation and therapeutic massage, stress management and wellness promotion methods. In a supervised classroom setting, you'll both conduct and receive massage to help enhance your understanding of the massage process. Gain hands-on experience in our massage clinic as you put your skills into practice with real clients.
Our massage programme is highly regarded within the South Island massage industry and we enjoy an excellent relationship with Massage New Zealand (MNZ). MNZ is the only massage therapy-specific membership body in New Zealand and you’ll be able to apply for registration with MNZ when you successfully complete this programme.
Graduates may operate their own massage therapy business, or may find employment within the spa industry. Alternatively, you can progress into the second year of our Bachelor of Applied Science where you can further your studies in massage and health, expand your skill set into rehabilitation (remedial) massage and increase your employment options.
International
About the programme
Develop the skills and understanding needed to provide massage and support clients to improve their wellness.
Learn about anatomy and physiology, relaxation and therapeutic massage, stress management and wellness promotion methods. In a supervised classroom setting, you'll both conduct and receive massage to help enhance your understanding of the massage process. Gain hands-on experience in our massage clinic as you put your skills into practice with real clients.
Our massage programme is highly regarded within the South Island massage industry and we enjoy an excellent relationship with Massage New Zealand (MNZ). MNZ is the only massage therapy-specific membership body in New Zealand and you’ll be able to apply for registration with MNZ when you successfully complete this programme.
Graduates may operate their own massage therapy business, or may find employment within the spa industry. Alternatively, you can progress into the second year of our Bachelor of Applied Science where you can further your studies in massage and health, expand your skill set into rehabilitation (remedial) massage and increase your employment options.
What You Study
Full-time courses
Semester one (all 15 credits)
- Massage Theory to Practice
- Wellness Dimensions and Client-Centre Care
- Te Hīhiri
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
Semester two (all 15 credits)
- Sports Massage
- Muscoskeletal Surface Anatomy
- The Professional Practitioner
- Relaxation and Wellness Massage Clinical Practice
Part-time courses
Our part-time option is studied over two years and is only available to domestic students.
Semester one, year one (all 15 credits)
- Massage Theory to Practice
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
Semester two, year one (all 15 credits)
- Muscoskeletal Surface Anatomy
- The Professional Practitioner
Semester one, year two (15 credits)
- Te Hīhiri
- Wellness Dimensions and Client-Centred Care
Semester two, year two (15 credits)
- Sports Massage
- Relaxation and Wellness Massage Clinical Practice
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- NCEA Level 2 with 10 Literacy and 10 Numeracy credits, or
- A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3 or above, or
- A recognised equivalent.
- If you're over 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you are eligible for special admission, and we'll work through that with you.
- If you're under 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for discretionary admission, and we'll work through that with you.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (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.
Additional requirements
You must:
- provide a health/general abilities declaration to ensure you are able to achieve practice competencies in this programme. We may need to work with you and ask for further reports.
- provide a declaration of all existing or pending criminal convictions.
- consent to undergo a Police Check
- a prior conviction may not necessarily exclude you from getting into the programme
- if you do have a prior conviction, we'll have a chat with you about the implications for enrolment, programme completion and subsequent employment as a Massage Therapist
- information gathered regarding offences may be shared with a host organisation for the purposes of your practical placement(s)
- you may need to attend an interview, or we may ask you for referee checks, as part of the above
- any unsatisfactory result arising from any of the above may result in you being declined entry to the programme.
Selection process
This programme is subject to maximum numbers. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, a ranking criteria will apply. This will be based on academic achievement and you may be asked to write 200 words on why you wish to study this programme.
Part-time study
Please note that our part-time option is only available to domestic students.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
- Course-related materials such as equipment, textbooks and a uniform will come to a maximum cost of $1,000 per year
- You also require your own laptop/tablet that are able to bring with you to class
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.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
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.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
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.
