Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop introductory leadership skills focused on both leading yourself and leading others.
• Explore contemporary leadership theories, including perspectives connected with the unique culture of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Study social and community issues and consider how leadership can contribute to meaningful change.
• Gain practical experience through group projects in the local community.
• Learn about how people learn and how this knowledge can be used when leading change.
• The programme is suitable for students interested in social change, community work, volunteering and leadership.
• UC specifically identifies the certificate as a useful option for working professionals and people already in leadership positions who do not want to commit immediately to a full bachelor's degree.

The 60-point certificate consists of compulsory courses.

The current UC programme page lists:

1. YACL101 – Introduction to Youth Leadership: Leading the Self
2. CHCH101 – Strengthening Communities through Social Innovation
3. EDUC101 – Spark! The Art & Science of Learning OR YACL102 – Introduction to Professional Youth Work in Aotearoa
4. YACL201 – Social Leadership: Leading with Others

Key academic themes include:

• Self-leadership
• Leadership of others
• Contemporary leadership theories
• Youth leadership
• Professional youth work
• Social leadership
• Learning and how people learn
• Social innovation
• Community strengthening
• Community engagement
• Leadership for social change
• Aotearoa New Zealand perspectives and culture

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal specialisations or majors listed for the Certificate in Youth and Community Leadership.

The qualification is interdisciplinary in nature, with emphasis on:

• Youth leadership
• Community leadership
• Social innovation
• Social change
• Professional youth work
• Leadership development
• Community engagement

Programme Highlights

• 60-point focused undergraduate qualification.
• Can be completed in one year full-time.
• Part-time completion is available for up to three years.
• On-campus and distance-study options.
• Strong focus on practical leadership.
• Community-based group projects.
• Exposure to contemporary leadership theory.
• M?ori/Aotearoa New Zealand perspectives are incorporated into leadership learning.
• Includes a noho marae experience through YACL101.
• Provides a potential pathway to the Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership or related Bachelor of Arts study.

The certificate provides formal training in leadership and engaging with different groups.

Potential career directions identified by UC include:

• Humanitarian and community work
• Government positions
• Teaching
• Business
• Youth work
• Policy analysis and advisory roles
• Iwi and M?ori development
• Teaching and training

The qualification can also provide preparation for further study in areas such as:

• Education
• Organisational management
• Psychology
• Politics
• Sociology
• Strategic communications

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest UC qualification information currently available confirms that the programme continues to offer February and July entry, 60 points, and one-year full-time or up-to-three-year part-time study.

Important special requirement:

YACL101 includes a noho marae in ?tautahi Christchurch. This is particularly important for international students considering distance study, because distance delivery does not mean every component can be completed remotely.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the qualification on campus in New Zealand, the relevant visa will generally be the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to the student's circumstances and the final visa assessment by Immigration New Zealand.

Key requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition fees.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs, or an acceptable sponsor.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Appropriate medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds/sponsorship for onward travel.
• Compliance with the conditions attached to the visa.