Please note that course listing does not constitute endorsement by the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, as we are not able to review the training provided.
Postgraduate study
Postgraduate programmes in violence studies are offered by:
University of Auckland
AUT
Ara Institute of Canterbury
University of Auckland - Postgraduate study options in Violence Prevention
Postgraduate study options in Violence Prevention
The University of Auckland offers a number of postgraduate courses that are relevant for those working in violence prevention or interested in working in the area. These can be taken as part of a postgraduate certificate/diploma in Health Sciences or Social Work.
Information about study in 2024 is now available. Closing dates for applications:
- 2024 Semester 1: 8 December 2023
- 2024 Semester 2: 4 July 2024
Download 2024 Violence Prevention Study Overview flyer (PDF, 166 KB)
Download Violence Prevention Studies Pathways and Course details flyer (PDF, 185 KB)
Recommended courses for a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHSc) are:
POPLHLTH 769 Interpersonal and Family Violence (30 points) - Semester 1
Explores the magnitude and consequences of the problem of, and contributing factors to, interpersonal and family violence. Examines some of the major violence prevention and intervention activities currently undertaken in New Zealand. Considers how effective practices and policies might be disseminated at the individual, community, and national levels. Themes include: the epidemiology of violence, causes of violence, developing and evaluating interventions, and violence as a health issue.
SOCCHFAM 700 Domestic Violence: Challenges and Responses (30 points) - Semester 2
An in-depth examination of the prevalence, consequences, risk and protective factors of domestic violence in Aotearoa New Zealand. Draws on local and international research to explore conceptual models, theories, practice and current research concerns, aimed at prevention and intervention activities at the individual, family/whānau, organisational, community and societal levels.
Each 30 point course is taught in 2-day blocks, with no end of course exam.
This is a joint Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and Faculty of Education and Social Work initiative.
If you don’t have an undergraduate degree, this is NOT a barrier to entry into postgraduate study. The general requirements are that you hold a recognised health professional qualification plus at least two years of relevant work experience. For more information, please contact the Course Coordinators
Find out more about enrolment in postgraduate study at the University of Auckland
AUT - Violence and Trauma Studies
AUT offers the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science or Master of Health Practice where you can explore different approaches to responding to violence and trauma in our communities and learn more about healing, individually and collectively.
The programme considers Māori and Western approaches to healing from violence and trauma and is designed to support students develop a robust structural analysis of violence and the wider operations of power in society.
Courses offered:
COMH 801 Tipu Ora - Theories and Perspectives of Violence and Trauma (PDF) (30 points)
Examines a range of theories and perspectives of violence and trauma affecting families or whānau, communities and nations, using a socioecological framework.
COMH 802 Pae Ora - Optimising Practice in Violence and Trauma (PDF) (15 points)
Application of theory, skills and strategies for reducing violence and trauma and promoting healthy futures within families or whānau, community and national settings.
COMH803 Mauri Oho – Agents of Socioecological Change in Violence and Trauma (PDF) (15 points)
Critically analyse change within the context of complex social problems and violence and trauma to facilitate socioecological change.
COMH804 Mauri Tau – Restoring Balance and Resolving Conflict (PDF) (15 points)
Critically analyses the theory and practice of resolving conflict necessary for restoring balance for people and communities affected by violence and trauma.
COMH805 Mauri Ora – Holistic Trauma Informed Practice (PDF) (15 points)
Critically analyse trauma informed theories and approaches using a socioecological framework to assess past and current trauma and design appropriate holistic interventions for mauri ora.
Find out more about Violence and Trauma Studies options at AUT
Ara Institute of Canterbury - Principles of Family Violence Intervention Micro-credential
This postgraduate level micro-credential provides those working in health, social work or related fields an opportunity for professional development. Areas covered include:the nature and prevalence of family violence including mediating factors; the context of family violence (historical influences and current issues); responses and intervention strategies; quality and effectiveness of intervention practice; applying theory to practice settings; social sustainability; and assessment of vulnerability. A whānau-centric approach is also central, and explores connecting Māori aspirations to whānau safety, supporting and empowering whānau, and kaupapa-centric response strategies.
This is a part time course over 12 weeks delivered through online and in-person teaching. This course is offered twice a year.
Find out more about Principles of Family Violence Intervention
Contact the Programme Lead, Kath Harrison for more information
Postgraduate study at other tertiary institutions
Members of our Māori and tauiwi advisory groups, affiliated to tertiary institutions, may be able to discuss other study and research options.
Other tertiary study options
At present there are no undergraduate degree level qualifications in New Zealand focused solely on family violence. If you are interested in doing tertiary level study or obtaining formal tertiary qualifications, here are some further options to consider.
The Careers NZ website is designed to help you find the career path that is right for you.
The wānanga, institute of technology, polytech or university near you may offer individual papers or short courses which are of particular interest to you.
Here are some suggested key words to look for: child protection, counselling, criminology, domestic violence, family law, family violence, gender studies, social work, sociology, whānau violence, women's studies.
Read the NZQA's guide to choosing a tertiary qualification
Related pages
See our education and training page for other professional development opportunities.