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Certificate in Youth Development & Leadership (CertYDL)

Passionate about young people? The Certificate in Youth Development and Leadership equips Christian youth leaders and workers to serve confidently in churches, schools, and communities. You’ll gain real-world experience through 25 hours of placement each term, blending theory with practical skills and reflective learning. A built-in mentoring component means you’ll grow through meaningful relationships, not just study. Delivered through partner organisation 24-7 YouthWork, this programme gives you a solid foundation for safe, effective work with young people from all walks of life.
  • Qualification Level
  • Total Credits
  • Completion Time
  • Study Location
  • Level 3 NZQA
  • 40
  • 3 terms
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  • Download Programme Flyer (PDF)

Arts & Professional Studies, Bible & Theology

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The Certificate in Youth Development and Leadership (CertYDL) equips and empowers Christian youth leaders and youth workers to serve confidently in churches, schools, and
communities. This programme provides a strong foundation for safe, effective work with young people from diverse backgrounds. Students spend 25 hours per term in a youth work or youth ministry placement, while also combining theory, practical skills, and reflective learning. It includes a tuakana-teina mentoring component to foster meaningful connections and growth. The delivery of this course is through 24-7 YouthWork (a partner to Laidlaw College).

  • Programme Title
  • Certificate in Youth Development & Leadership (CertYDL)
  • Post-nominal Letters
  • CertYDL
  • School
  • Arts & Professional Studies, Bible & Theology
  • Specialisation Options
  • Total Credits
  • 40
  • Programme Requirements

  • Students must successfully complete all three required courses, including 75 hours of placement:
    735.315 Y The Context of Positive Youth Development
    736.315 Y Te Ao Taiohi: The World of a Young Person
    737.315 Y Youth Development in Action
  • Study Commitment
  • Part-time (3 terms)
  • Location Pin Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com Study Location
  • Delivery
  • Block Courses + Distance Learning + Placement
  • Start Dates
  • 2027 Start Date TBC
  • Maximum Timeframe
  • Up to 2 years part-time
  • Practicum Hours
  • 25 hours per course (self-arranged placement)
  • Formation Requirements
  • Indicative Domestic Student Tuition Fees*

(Average full-time programme for one year = 120 credits)

  • Indicative International Student Tuition Fees**

(Average full-time programme for one year = 120 credits)

  • Programme Title
  • Certificate in Youth Development & Leadership (CertYDL)
  • Career Opportunities
  • Youth leader
    volunteer or assistant youth worker
    pathway into further study in youth work or ministry
  • Entry Requirements
  • General Admission Requirements
    18 years of age
    Selection Interview
    Police Clearance
    Practicum Commitment
    Entry Assessment may bre required
  • Distinctives
  • Christ-centred framework, tuakana-teina mentoring, practical leadership development

Programme Requirements

BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY BIBLICAL STUDIES
(100S)		 CHRISTIAN THOUGHT & HISTORY (200-300S) PASTORAL, MISSIONAL & CONTEXTUAL STUDIES (400-600S)
Minimum credits for degree 90 75 90
A total minimum of 360 credits
A total minimum of 180 credits at level 6 or above
A total minimum of 75 credits at level 7
Level 5 115.515 Reading the Bible

120.515 Reading the Old Testment

140.515 Reading the New Testment 		201.515 Engaging Theory

308.515 Christian History: Our Story 		401.515 Formation

505.515 Christian Leadership and Mission

907.515 Bicultural Relationships: Tikanga Kawabata
Level 6 & 7 111.715 Interpreting the Bible

At least 1 OT and 1 NT exegesis paper 		202.6/715 Christology

219.6/715 Nākau Maia: Christian Confidence 		480.6/715 Faithful Living: Intro to Reflective Practice

590.715 Capstone: Integrative Practice
  • I truly believe it’s the pre-eminent theological institution in New Zealand.

It’s the breadth of study, of knowledge, the way the staff require you to think. They don’t spoon feed you. They want you to think critically, thoughtfully, prayerfully. You’re given options and required to construct a frame for yourself.”

Kyla Scrimgeour | Theology Graduate

Additional Information

General and other Specialisations
Semester 1
Semester 2
On completion of the Bachelor of Theology Laidlaw College graduates will:
  • Graduates will be able to: Apply knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Code of Ethics for Youth Work, Mana Taihohi, and other positive youth development frameworks to support taiohi to reach their goals, and their social and cultural aspirations.
    Apply knowledge of group work and leadership to contribute to the development and implementation of positive youth development projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sed Leo erat, sodales sed mattis in, pulvinar vitae Leo. Sed sollicitudin sapien et aliquam varius. Vivamus mattiscidunt sapien. Proin quis lectus ligula. Fusce euismod pretiumtus. Pellentesque rutrum, dui ut rutrum ullamcorper, eros velit.

Sed Leo erat, sodales sed mattis in, pulvinar vitae Leo. Sed sollicitudin sapien et aliquam varius. Vivamus mattiscidunt sapien. Proin quis lectus ligula. Fusce euismod pretiumtus. Pellentesque rutrum, dui ut rutrum ullamcorper, eros velit.