What will my study involve?

Entry requirements

University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol. UC offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.

One or more courses in this degree may also require vaccinations. Check each course page for more details.

CheckUC's English language requirements if English is not your first language. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

The programme is open to anyway from a range of interests or experience in leadership roles. No particular background study is required. A passion for social change, community work, and volunteering is the best preparation.

Strong written and verbal communication skills will be especially useful.

Subjects and courses

In the CertYCL you will learn about leadership of the self, and leading with others, through exploration and experience of a wide range of contemporary leadership theories, including those that emanate from the unique culture of Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will also will study learning: how and why people learn, and what this means for leading change.

The final course will be CHCH101, the heritage service learning course that is at the heart of community engagement.

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

YACL101 includes a noho marae based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Distance students will also need to be able to attend.

Further study

The Certificate is good preparation for the full Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership degree, or the Bachelor of Arts in a range of related subjects.

Career opportunities

Study in this area gives you formal training in leadership and engaging different groups. Possible career paths could include humanitarian and community work, government positions, teaching, and business.

Graduates can continue onto advanced studies in areas such as education, organisational management and psychology, politics, sociology, and strategic communications.

Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.