Language & Culture
Studying language and culture at UCOL is your gateway to understanding people, traditions, and perspectives that shape our global community.
UCOL's language programmes don’t just enrich your life - they open doors to exciting career opportunities and make you stand out in any workplace!
Our expert-led classes immerse you in both the language and its cultural significance, giving you a truly authentic experience. You’ll learn in an inclusive environment alongside a diverse group of students and professionals.
Discover the power of communication and culture! Explore our Māori, English, or New Zealand Sign Language programmes below and start your journey today!
Te Reo Māori
Immerse yourself in UCOL’s certificate in Te Reo Māori and gain foundation skills in the Māori language and customs (te reo and tikanga), reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Te Reo Māori for Beginners
Palmerston North
02 Feb 2026 - 06 Apr 2026
04 Feb 2026 - 08 Apr 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 21 Aug 2026
22 Jul 2026 - 23 Aug 2026
Whanganui
2026 dates TBC
Masterton
2026 dates TBC
Eager to strengthen your cultural understanding of Te Reo Māori, or simply curious to begin your reo journey? This beginner‑friendly course is the perfect first step!
Te Reo Māori Intermediate
Palmerston North
20 Apr 2026 - 22 Jun 2026
22 Apr 2026 - 24 Jun 2026
12 Oct 2026 - 14 Dec 2026
14 Oct 2026 - 16 Dec 2026
Whanganui
2026 dates TBC
Masterton
2026 dates TBC
Levin
2026 dates TBC
Keen to keep learning, growing, and connecting with your understanding and delivery of te reo Māori? This course will guide you forward on your haerenga reo with confidence and pride.
Te Pōkaitahi Reo (Rumaki, Reo Rua) (Te Kaupae 3)
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton, UCOL Horowhenua in Levin
1 year part-time (38 weeks)
Palmeston North, Masterton and Horowhenua
23 Feb 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 (Part-time - one day per week)
Ready to take your reo further, building your confidence and stay grounded in a relaxed bilingual environment? This course will help you move forward with clarity and pride in your haerenga reo.
Te Pōkaitahi Reo (Reo Rua) (Te Kaupae 4)
1 year part-time (38 weeks)
Palmerston North and Masterton
23 Feb 2026 - 20 Nov 2026 (Part-time - one day per week)
Already on your reo journey and looking for something deeper, richer, and more challenging? Enhance your fluency, refine your understanding of grammar and structure, and explore more advanced kōrero!
English Language
UCOL's English Language programmes include a suite of New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) programmes, all approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3) (General)
19 weeks full-time
16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Gain the English language skills you need to embark on further study and improve your IELTS or TOEFL score.
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3) (Applied)
19 weeks full-time
16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Increase your confidence and fluency in English
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4) (Academic)
19 weeks full-time
16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
If you need to improve your English to study at Diploma or Degree level, this programme is for you!
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 5) (Academic)
19 weeks full-time
16 Feb 2026 - 26 Jun 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Learn to communicate in English with fluency and flexibility.
Free Sign Language Courses
New Zealand Sign Language is an official language of New Zealand and used by our Deaf community. This interactive language is fun to learn.
Introduction to Sign Language
Palmerston North
04 Feb 2026 - 08 Apr 2026
22 Apr 2026 - 24 Jun 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 21 Sep 2026
12 Oct 2026 - 14 Dec 2026
Whanganui
Please get in contact with our team to discuss Whanganui course options.
Learn to communicate with Deaf people
Conversational Sign Language
Palmerston North
02 Feb 2026 - 06 Apr 2026
20 Apr 2026 - 22 Jun 2026
22 Jul 2026 - 23 Sept 2026
14 Oct 2026 - 16 Dec 2026
Whanganui
2026 dates TBC
Please contact our team to discuss course options.
Wanting to communicate confidently using New Zealand Sign Language? This course is a great first step into the rich, expressive world of NZSL!
Sign in the Workplace
Want to make your workplace more inclusive and communicate better with Deaf colleagues or customers? Learn the essentials of New Zealand Sign Language for real workplace situations.
Immersion Sign Language
2026 dates TBC
Keen to enhance your learning of New Zealand Sign Language? This course will help deepen your skills, building real confidence using NZSL in everyday conversations.