Certificate in Deaf Studies: Teaching New Zealand Sign Language – CertDeafStud (Teaching NZSL)
If you are already a fluent user of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), learn how to teach your language to others.
No intake for 2026
The Certificate in Deaf Studies (CertDeafStud) is a part-time course and is offered every second year. The next intake of new students will be in 2027.
Teach NZSL
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is an official language of New Zealand. Increasing the number of people who can communicate in sign will create a more inclusive society.
Increase your understanding of NZSL and develop the skills you need for teaching the language with a Certificate in Deaf Studies—Teaching New Zealand Sign Language or CertDeafStud (Teaching NZSL).
Explore Deaf culture and society and study the structure and use of NZSL. Examine the principles of teaching NZSL and learn curriculum design. You'll also complete a practicum to give you hands-on experience in the field.
Find out more about studying Deaf Studies: Teaching New Zealand Sign Language at Victoria University of Wellington
New Zealand Sign Language
Course dates
The first year of the Certificate in Deaf Studies has three week-long block courses. In 2025, the dates for these courses are:
- DEAF 801—17–21 February 2025
- DEAF 802—9–13 June 2025
- DEAF 803—4–7 November 2025.
Important information
- This professional programme is designed for native speakers of sign language. Most students are members of the Deaf community.
- You need to be fluent in NZSL to study for a Certificate in Deaf Studies.
Through lectures, discussion and practical tasks—delivered mainly in NZSL—you'll examine the Deaf community and culture, the grammar of NZSL, and methods for teaching sign language.
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Requirements