Graduates of the Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding are capable of leading groups and managing client or student safety in a range of outdoor settings in the education or tourism sectors. The personal technical skill-set of graduates will be equivalent that required by professional level qualifications (NZOIA) so graduates are personally capable of operating in moderate to high risk outdoor settings. This obeys a fundamental principle in outdoor leadership; that an instructor or guide must be able to safely and effectively operate in risk settings that are higher than those in which they may be expected to manage client safety. Graduates will specialise in technical pursuit instruction, education or tourism experience management. Knowledge and skills in safety management and group leadership will allow graduates to make proactive decisions in the field. This creates the potential to guide and instruct clients, unsupervised, in a variety of outdoor settings of low to moderate risk. Group facilitation, presentation and teaching skills will allow graduates to effectively deliver the stated outcomes of the organisation they represent. These could include technical skill delivery and instruction, personal development, environmental and health education and tourism experience management. Knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand's special flora and fauna, its geophysical and socio-cultural make-up along with contemporary studies of global and local environmental issues allow graduates to "tell the story" of New Zealand while enlightening and entertaining their clients or students.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS (or equivalent) Level 5.5 with no band lower 5.0. Applicants must have attended a minimum of four years secondary schooling and successfully completed NCEA Level Two (or equivalent), inclusive of credits in Science. Applicants must have completed a first year Outdoor Education programme, to Level four, or provided evidence of equivalent prior outdoor experience and academic ability. Applicants must hold a current First Aid Certificate. Applicants must be able to meet and document a range of outdoor experience requirements. Special Notes: Fitness is a Health and Safety requirement of this programme and potential students will be required to pass a fitness test at the start of the programme. It is preferable students are at least 19 years of age. Mature students, who do not meet entry criteria, but demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study and are able to meet and provide documented evidence of outdoor experience requirements will be considered. Special Entry may be granted where evidence exists that the applicant can successfully complete the programme.