Ways to study
Online learning
Study a range of qualifications and courses, and gain an industry-recognised education online. Studying online is perfect if you need to study flexibly, as you can learn at a time, place and pace that suits you.
Time is precious.
We have a range of online programmes and courses where you can undertake self-paced study, anytime, from anywhere. This way you can fit your study around your current lifestyle, without a lot of disruption to your worklife or family.
How it works
You will engage with self-paced study which will involve working through online modules and reading materials. Some courses might also include online discussions where you can interact with other online learners and share your experiences.
Explore our online courses
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4)
You will gain an understanding of financial documents, using accounting software and managing an organisation’s account processing, and graduate with the ability to contribute more effectively to your organisation.
New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5)
Upon completing this online programme, you will be eligible for career paths including Insurance Advisor, Technical Specialist and Advisor Support.
Animal care
New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3) (Companion Animals)
This programme is great for testing interest in this area as it'll give you a taste of the wider range of animal-related qualifications available and allow you to get a feel for tertiary study before attempting a higher-level qualification.
New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) (Companion Animal Healthcare)
Designed to create a training pathway for those wanting a rewarding career as an Animal Healthcare Assistant, this new programme recognises the role as distinct from a Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician.
Rural Animal Health
New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) (Rural Animal Healthcare)
Designed to create a training pathway for those wanting a rewarding career as an Animal Healthcare Assistant, this new programme recognises the role as distinct from a Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician.
New Zealand Diploma in Rural Animal Veterinary Technology (Level 6)
This programme is designed to provide a clear, industry-relevant pathway for those wishing to start a career as a Rural Animal Veterinary Technician. As a graduate you will work directly and indirectly with veterinarians in rural practice to meet the healthcare needs of our primary production animals.
Veterinary Nursing
New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal Nursing) (Level 6)
If you want to be a Veterinary Nurse, this pathway with a companion animal focus and 750 hours of practicum will give you the skills to thrive in a wide range of veterinary settings.
Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (third year)
In collaboration with the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), we offer the third year of this qualification online. Otago Polytechnic learners can pathway through the Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and then move into the third year to gain this degree. Many Otago Polytechnic Veterinary Nursing lecturers teach on this programme.
New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3)
With this programme, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to manage your own beehives. You’ll meet commercial apiarists in your local area and have the chance to complete an American Foulbrood (AFB) disease recognition course.
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science
Deepen your knowledge and understanding of sport/exercise. Choose to specialise in performance analysis, physical conditioning or exercise prescription, and apply your learnings through industry experience during your study. A course in professional development will then prepare you to work within the industry and assist you to understand your learning needs.
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science
This programme has a wider and more encompassing scope than the Postgraduate Certificate. You’ll study a course in professional development which will prepare you to work within the industry and study a focus topic to deepen your learning in a specific area. Graduates will be eligible for relevant industry accreditations as well.
Ceramics
Glaze Theory and Practice (Level 5)
Study the impact of heat on materials used in the production of ceramic glazes.
New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5) - Ceramics
You will develop individual projects which study ceramics as a medium with its own formal language, skills and history, within a broader context of fine arts and crafts.
Glaze Theory and Practice (Level 6)
Following on from the Glaze Theory and Practice Level 5, in this year-long short course you will be taking your glazing knowledge to the next step by focusing on a main research project.
New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6) - Ceramics
Building on the skills gained at Level 5, you will continue to explore ceramics and develop leadership and professional practice skills to manage projects/briefs and present your work in a real-world context. From here you may choose to progress to our Bachelor of Visual Arts to broaden your skill set and career opportunities.
Visual Arts
Master of Visual Arts
Deep dive into practical- and theory-based research through this advanced qualification.
New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5)
This programme provides the first level of professional training available in this field, enabling participants to work in all sectors of the avalanche industry. Taught by the most experienced provider of avalanche education in New Zealand, you’ll study theory online before solidifying these concepts in a supportive group setting on snow and in the classroom.
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.
New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Servicing (Level 3)
Learn to service a wide range of bicycles, components and bicycle systems, including e-bikes. Enjoy the chance to gain skills in a flexible learning environment through a blend of practical block courses, online learning and workplace experience.
New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics (Level 4)
During this programme, you will add more advanced techniques such as wheel building, suspension servicing, frame preparation and e-Bike diagnostics to your existing abilities and hone your previous knowledge to methodically diagnose, repair, overhaul and rebuild bicycles and components.
Certificate in Bicultural Competency (Level 4)
Develop a practical knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori as appropriate within the workplace, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and its socio-political impact within iwi and location-specific contexts in Aotearoa. You will develop an understanding of your own position in a bicultural New Zealand context by building a base upon which to develop your cultural competency skills.
New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 5)
Employed as an adult educator and want to build on your skills and knowledge? This work-based programme allows you to study in work, for work. This Certificate is a required qualification for employment at some tertiary institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Design
Are you a learning and teaching development specialist wanting to upskill with a qualification in learning design? Or are you planning a career change into this fast-growing area? Over four courses, you'll develop theoretical and practical skills.
Health Bridging Certificate (Level 3 and 4)
Don’t have the academic requirements you need to enter one of our diploma- or degree-level healthcare programmes? No problem. By studying courses such as Function of the Human Body and an Introduction to Careers in Health, you will be well prepared to apply for your chosen diploma or degree.
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)
This free-of-charge fully supported online qualification gives you a comprehensive education on the fundamentals of growing plants. The four areas covered are plant and soil science, plant identification and selection, plant health and sustainable growing.
Certificate in Wound Debridement (Level 7)
This is New Zealand’s first and only qualification in wound debridement and provides competency in conservative sharp wound debridement (CSWD). To apply for this Certificate, you’ll need to be an existing health professional (RN, Nurse Practitioner, EN, Podiatrist or Doctor) working with adults and performing wound care procedures (at least weekly).
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Enhance your professional practice and increase your employment potential with this postgraduate qualification that will prepare you for jobs in research-focused positions or higher-level practice roles. If you want to pursue an academic career, this honours degree provides a pathway to take you to the top of your field.
Need advice?
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.