Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding (Level 5)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding (level 5) can follow on from either the Certificate in Outdoor Education (Level 4), making a 2 year course.

Graduates of the Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding are capable of leading groups and managing client or student safety in a range of outdoor settings in the education or tourism sectors. The personal technical skill-set of graduates will be equivalent to that required by professional level qualifications (NZOIA) so graduates are personally capable of operating in moderate to high-risk outdoor settings. This obeys a fundamental principle in outdoor leadership; that an instructor or guide must be able to safely and effectively operate in risk settings that are higher than those in which they may be expected to manage client safety.

STUDY HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY

Graduates will specialise in technical pursuit instruction, education or tourism experience management.

• Knowledge and skills in safety management and group leadership will allow graduates to make proactive decisions in the field to guide and instruct clients, unsupervised, in a variety of outdoor settings of low to moderate risk.
• Group facilitation, presentation and teaching skills will allow graduates to effectively deliver the requirements of their employer, including technical skill delivery and instruction, personal development, environmental and health education and tourism experience management.
• Knowledge of New Zealand's special flora and fauna, its geophysical and socio-cultural make-up along with contemporary studies of global and local environmental issues allow graduates to "tell the story" of New Zealand while enlightening and entertaining their clients or students.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding are capable of leading groups and managing clients or students safety in a range of outdoor settings in the education or tourism sectors.

The personal technical skill-set of graduates will be equivalent that required by professional level qualifications (NZOIA, SKOANZ, NZRA) so graduates are capable of operating in moderate to high risk outdoor settings. This recognises a fundamental principle in outdoor leadership; that an instructor or guide must be able to safely and effectively operate in risk settings that are higher than those in which they may be expected to manage client safety.

Graduates will specialise in technical pursuit instruction, education or tourism experience management.

Knowledge and skills in safety management and group leadership will allow graduates to make proactive decisions in the field. This creates the potential to guide and instruct clients, unsupervised, in a variety of outdoor settings of low to moderate risk.

Group facilitation, presentation and teaching skills will allow graduates to effectively deliver the stated outcomes of the organisation they represent. These could include technical skill delivery and instruction, personal development, environmental and health education and tourism experience management.

Knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand’s special flora and fauna, its geophysical and socio-cultural make-up along with contemporary studies of global and local environmental issues allow graduates to “tell the story” of New Zealand while enlightening and entertaining their clients or students. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicants must have completed an Outdoor Education programme, equivalent to Level four, or provided evidence of equivalent prior outdoor experience and academic ability.
2. English Language: IELTS (Academic Test) 5.5 or equivalence. No band less than 5.0

NOTE:

• Applicants must hold a current First Aid Certificate, and preferably at least 19 years of age
• Applicants will be required to pass a fitness test (a Health and Safety requirement)

Course Level