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

Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Level
5
Credits
120
Fees
$8,247
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February

International

Duration
1 Year Full-time
Level
5
Credits
120
Fees
$26,000
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February

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 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

Full tuition
Standard
$8,247

International fees

Full tuition
Standard
$26,000

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.

Get in touch

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