Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Human Development

Summary

Postgraduate certificate provides the opportunity for continuing professional development in the same area as an original degree.

Postgraduate certificates are available to graduates who wish to build on an earlier degree, and who have appropriate practical, professional or scholarly experience. Some are available only on a part time basis. Waikato University offers specialist postgraduate certificates as well as postgraduate certificates. The Postgraduate Certificate comprises a minimum of 60 points at 500 level or above.

Human Development

Interested in the study of the human lifespan from conception and birth onwards? Human Development investigates how people develop throughout their lives and how cultural and social settings help to shape what is possible.

The Human Development programme explores the development of individuals, families, groups and communities throughout the human lifespan. It is important for those wishing to go into professions such as youth work, eldercare, social work, counselling and teaching. An understanding of human development is relevant to many other careers that involve working with or for people.

Papers develop skills relevant to career objectives such as human relations, human services, programme planning, community liaison, counselling, policy and evaluation, administration of programs concerned with the family or other groups and research.

Graduates gain a solid foundation in theory and research to understand and explain the development of people from the early years through to old age, have the ability to examine how different contexts influence people's lives, learning and behaviour, and are able to apply this knowledge to specific life situation

Career opportunities

• Community or Iwi Development Coordinator
• Community Educator
• Policy Analyst/ Advisor
• Community Advocate
• Social Services Advocate
• International Aid Worker
• Learning Application Developer
• Trainer