Why Study "Master of Applied Professional Studies (Mentoring and Leadership)"

The Master of Applied Professional Studies (Mentoring and Leadership) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is a postgraduate qualification designed for professionals who want to strengthen their leadership, mentoring, and professional practice skills. The programme focuses on applying advanced knowledge to real-world workplace situations, developing reflective practice, and supporting the growth and performance of individuals and teams. It may suit experienced professionals seeking career progression into leadership, mentoring, coaching, training, or organisational development roles.

Key Benefits

• Level of study: Postgraduate, Level 9 (Master’s degree).

• Campus location: To be confirmed for the current international intake with Toi Ohomai.

• Mode of learning: Confirm the current delivery format with the institute, as availability may depend on the programme and intake.

• Duration: The exact duration and study pattern should be confirmed against the current programme offering.

• Credits/points: Confirm the current credit requirements with the institute before applying.

• Intakes: Intake dates and international application availability should be confirmed for the intended year of study.

• Scholarships: Eligible international students may be able to apply for institute or external scholarships, subject to availability and the relevant eligibility criteria.

• The qualification can help professionals develop leadership capability, improve mentoring practices, and apply evidence-based approaches to workplace challenges.

Program Structure

The programme is a Level 9 master’s qualification comprising 180 credits. It combines advanced professional learning, workplace-based application, critical reflection, and independent research.

• Duration: 1.5 years full-time, including holidays where applicable. Part-time study is also available.

• Campuses: Mokoia Campus, Rotorua, and Windermere Campus, Tauranga.

• Next listed intake: November 2026. Confirm the specific campus start date and international student availability before applying.

• Mode of learning: On-campus study with applied, work-related learning. Confirm the precise delivery arrangements with the institute.

• Main topics and papers include:

  • Critical Reflective Practice

  • Professional Leadership

  • Adult Learning Theory

  • Building Professional Relationships for Mentoring

  • Mentoring and Supervision

  • Ng Tikanga Rangahau: Research Protocols

  • Research Project or Dissertation

• Students who have already completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Professional Studies (Mentoring and Leadership) may be able to complete the master’s component in 16 weeks full-time, subject to eligibility.

Discipline / Specialisation

The programme is offered in the Mentoring and Leadership specialisation within applied professional studies. It focuses on developing professional leadership, mentoring, supervision, adult learning, reflective practice, and applied research skills. The institute also offers related postgraduate qualifications in Adult Teaching, but this course specifically covers Mentoring and Leadership.

Programme Highlights

• Practical learning: Apply academic theories and research to real workplace situations.

• Leadership development: Build skills for leading individuals, teams, and professional groups.

• Mentoring and supervision: Learn to develop effective professional relationships and support others’ development.

• Research skills: Develop the ability to investigate workplace challenges and undertake an independent research project or dissertation.

• Professional progression: Assessments and projects are designed to connect with students’ existing professional practice.

• Additional qualifications: The programme pathway includes the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Professional Studies (Mentoring and Leadership), subject to completing the relevant requirements.

• Scholarships and financial support: International students should check the institute’s current scholarship listings and eligibility conditions. Scholarship availability for this specific programme should be confirmed directly.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may use the qualification to pursue career advancement within their existing professional field or move into roles involving mentoring, supervision, leadership, and staff development. Potential opportunities include:

• Professional team leader or workplace leadership roles

• Mentoring and staff supervision

• Educational leadership

• Professional development and training

• Mentoring and leadership roles in health and social services

• Associate teacher supporting students on placement, where applicable registration requirements are met

Career opportunities depend on previous qualifications, professional experience, employer requirements, and any relevant registration or licensing conditions.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students intending to study full-time in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, unless another visa category applies.

Applicants should prepare to meet the following requirements:

• Obtain an offer of place from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

• Provide evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of an acceptable scholarship or funding arrangement.

• Demonstrate funds for living expenses. Immigration New Zealand currently specifies NZD 20,000 per year for tertiary students studying for one year or longer.

• Provide evidence of funds for onward travel or a ticket out of New Zealand.

• Meet applicable health, character, and genuine-study requirements.

• Maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance for the required period.

• Provide academic records, identity documents, and English-language evidence as required by the institute and Immigration New Zealand.

Students should apply well ahead of their intended travel date and check the latest visa conditions, financial evidence rules, and processing guidance before submitting an application. Visa approval is not guaranteed by admission to the programme.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The institute’s current course listing identifies November 2026 as the next intake for this master’s programme.

• The listed locations are Rotorua and Tauranga. Confirm which campus is accepting international students for the intended intake.

• Academic entry requirements: Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or bachelor’s degree with honours in a relevant subject, with a B average or above, or a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject with a B average or above.

• Applicants who do not meet the standard requirements may be considered in exceptional circumstances based on academic merit and relevant experience. Additional qualifying papers may be required.

• Applicants should prepare a current CV and academic transcripts. The institute may request further evidence of relevant professional experience.

• English-language requirements should be confirmed with the international admissions team. The institute’s related postgraduate course information specifies IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent; confirm the exact requirement for this master’s programme.

• The programme is designed around professional practice. Applicants should confirm whether access to a relevant workplace or equivalent professional experience is required for their proposed study plan.

• The institute notes that timetables and fees may change, so applicants should verify the latest details before enrolment.