Learn how to help people live active lives
This short programme is a great way to start or build on your career in physical activity, sport, play, and health.
Take a few courses over one or two trimesters to explore key ideas, then build on your learning when you're ready.
The Postgraduate Certificate is the first in a series of qualifications—start with this programme, then transfer to the Postgraduate Diploma or the Master in Physical Activity and Hauora when you're ready.
Who can study for this qualification
This qualification suits you if you are:
- a physical activity and health practitioner looking to boost their knowledge and skills
- a graduate looking for a foundation for a career in the physical activity sector.
To enrol, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) with at least a B average in a relevant subject.
Even if you don't meet the degree requirements, you may still be able to enrol if you have extensive practical or professional experience. Get in touch with us to discuss your options.
What you’ll learn
The PGCertPAH includes:
- core courses in physical activity, sport, play, and health
- a course in physical activity and the environment
- a course aligned with your area of interest.
How you’ll study
You’ll complete two core courses in physical activity, sport, play, and health, and physical activity and the environment. You’ll also choose another course in an area you’re interested in.
This is a flexible qualification. You can study full time or part time.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
Entry requirements
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the PGCertPAH, shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline; and
(ii) Been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) can be waived or varied by the Associate Dean (Students) for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGCertPAH
General requirements
2. The course of study for the PGCertPAH shall consist of courses worth at least 60 points, comprising Ngā Take o Kori Tinana me te Hauora / Emerging Issues in Physical Activity and Wellbeing (PAAH 501), Physical Activity and the Environment / Kori Tinana me te Taiao (PAAH 502) and 15 further 400- or 500-level points from Part 1 of the MPAH.
3. (a) A candidate for the PGCertPAH shall normally complete the certificate within two years of first enrolling in it.
(b) The Associate Dean (Students) may extend the maximum period in (a) in special cases.
Future careers
If you're new to the field, you could enter roles in government or community organisations, such as:
- community or play development officer
- health promoter or recreation coordinator
- policy analyst or workplace wellbeing adviser.
If you're already working in the physical activity field, your postgraduate qualification helps you move into senior roles in programme design, project management, or policy analysis.
More career information
Find out more about careers in health promotion and related areas.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for health and wellbeing
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for health and wellbeing
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
A family of related qualifications
We offer three qualifications in postgraduate Physical Activity and Hauora. These are ‘staircased’, so that courses completed for a smaller qualification can count towards a larger one.
- Master of Physical Activity and Hauora (MPAH)—180 points
- Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Activity and Hauora (PGDipPAH)—120 points
- Postgraduate Certificate in Physical Activity and Hauora (PGCertPAH)—60 points
Choose the qualification with the time commitment and career benefits that suit you.
If you start with the Certificate or Diploma, you can apply to transfer to the Master’s degree at a later stage.
If you’re working towards the Master’s but can’t complete it for some reason, you may have enough points to be awarded the Certificate or Diploma.
Find out more about our study options in this subject.
Get in touch
Contact for programme director for more information about the qualification contents.
Lara AndrewsLecturer (Teaching) in Physical Activity & Wellbeing
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.