Te Tohu Tītohu mō Te Aka Whakaaroaro (Kaupea 8) | Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice (Level 8)

Program Overview

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The Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice (Level 8) enhances professional practice in Aotearoa's bicultural settings. It offers flexible delivery, combining online learning and block courses, and allows students to tailor their learning to their interests and needs. The program emphasizes critical reflection, mātauranga Māori, and collaboration, preparing graduates for careers in the socio-cultural sector.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Te Tohu Tītohu mō Te Aka Whakaaroaro (Kaupea 8) | Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice (Level 8)

This program is designed for professionals who want to enhance and develop their practice, focusing on the unique bicultural settings of Aotearoa. It allows graduates of Bachelor of Arts (Māori), Bachelor of Arts (Māori) Honours, Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and graduates from related fields to undertake post-graduate learning tailored to individual needs and interests.

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Objectives:

• Enhance and develop professional practice.
• Focus on the unique bicultural settings of Aotearoa.
• Allow individuals to follow their passions and interests within their own professional context.
• Provide post-graduate learning tailored to individual needs and interests.

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Program Description:

The program is offered in two formats: full-time and part-time. Full-time students complete the program in one year, while part-time students can take up to four years to finish. The program is delivered through a combination of online learning and block courses (wānanga).

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Key Features:

• Focus on personal practice development and passions.
• Critical reflection on practice strengths, weaknesses, and areas for expansion.
• Flexible delivery with online learning and block courses.
• Commitment to mātauranga Māori.
• Collaborative interdisciplinary study with peers from other socio-cultural fields.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program content is designed to be flexible and adaptable to meet the individual needs and interests of students. Students work with their advisors to develop a personalized learning plan that includes a mix of required and elective courses.

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Program Structure:

The program is structured around four core courses:

• Te Aka Whakaaroaro (Professional Practice)
• Te Matauranga Māori (Māori Knowledge)
• Te Whakawhanake Hauora (Health and Wellbeing)
• Te Whakarerekē (Change and Innovation)
In addition to the core courses, students can choose from a variety of elective courses offered by the School of Māori Studies | Te Ūranga Waka, the School of Education, and the School of Health & Sport Science.

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Course Schedule:

The program is offered in a block course format. This means that students attend intensive courses for a few weeks at a time, followed by periods of independent study. The specific course schedule varies from year to year, but generally, there are two blocks of courses per semester.

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Module Descriptions:

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Te Aka Whakaaroaro (Professional Practice):

This course introduces students to the key concepts and theories of professional practice. Students will learn how to critically reflect on their own practice, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies for improvement.

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Te Matauranga Māori (Māori Knowledge):

This course explores the history, culture, and values of the Māori people. Students will learn about the Treaty of Waitangi, the impacts of colonization, and the importance of mātauranga Māori in contemporary society.

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Te Whakawhanake Hauora (Health and Wellbeing):

This course examines the social, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to health and wellbeing. Students will learn about different models of health and wellbeing, and how to promote health and wellbeing in their communities.

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Te Whakarerekē (Change and Innovation):

This course explores the challenges and opportunities of change and innovation in the socio-cultural sector.

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Students will complete a variety of assignments throughout the program, including essays, case studies, presentations, and reflective journals.
• Examinations: Students will write exams at the end of each block course.
• Portfolio: Students will develop a portfolio of their work over the course of the program.
The portfolio will be used to demonstrate their learning and growth.
• Peer assessment and group work: The program encourages collaboration and peer learning.
Students will have the opportunity to work with their peers on assignments and projects.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified lecturers. The lecturers have a deep understanding of professional practice, mātauranga Māori, and the socio-cultural sector. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.

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Teaching Methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lecturers will deliver lectures on key topics.
• Seminars: Seminars will provide students with an opportunity to discuss topics in more depth and to share their own experiences.
• Workshops: Workshops will provide students with hands-on experience with specific skills and techniques.
• Field trips: Field trips will allow students to observe professional practice in real-world settings.
• Guest speakers: Guest speakers will share their expertise and insights with students.

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Faculty:

The program's faculty includes:

• Dr. Cath Healey: Dr. Healey is the program leader.
She has extensive experience in professional supervision and has published widely on the topic.
• Dr. Te Ahukaramu Charles Royal: Dr. Royal is a senior lecturer in the School of Māori Studies | Te Ūranga Waka.
He is a leading expert on mātauranga Māori.
• Dr. Aroha McVeagh: Dr. McVeagh is a senior lecturer in the School of Education.
She is a specialist in early childhood education.
• Dr. Mike Joy: Dr. Joy is a senior lecturer in the School of Health & Sport Science.
He is an expert in public health.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the socio-cultural sector. They can work as:

• Social workers
• Community development workers
• Educators
• Health professionals
• Policy analysts
• Researchers
• Managers

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Other:

The program is committed to providing students with a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

• Academic advisors: Academic advisors are available to help students with their academic progress and career planning.
• Disability support: The program provides support to students with disabilities.
• Counseling services: Counseling services are available to all students.
The program also offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in the community. Students can participate in service-learning projects, volunteer with community organizations, and attend professional development events.