Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership

The Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership (OP7802) at Open Polytechnic NZ (academic level 7) focuses on leadership in the disability sector and the community. Students learn to demonstrate leadership through best practice, ongoing professional development, and risk management. The programme also covers advocating for social justice and change, supporting inclusion, choice and control, and challenging stigma and discrimination. Students work on collaboration and effective communication in disability and health and wellbeing contexts.

Students study online using course materials they access at their own pace between the course start and end dates. The programme has no scheduled online classes, though some courses may include an in-person component such as practicum, workshops, noho marae, or an exam. A course facilitator guides learners and answers questions, with support from a Student Mentor and the Library and Learning Centre teams. Students also develop skills to critically evaluate information and apply health and wellbeing models, and to understand budgeting, financial planning, service design, and evaluation.

All you need is an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, or professional experience in the disability sector to the satisfaction of the Programme Leader. If you have completed the Bachelor of Social Health and Wellbeing with Open Polytechnic you are unable to enrol in this programme.

• Support manager
• Team leader
• Community manager
• Facilitator
• Service coordinator
• Public health manager
• Case manager
• Navigator
• Policy development lead
• Advocate