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LEVEL 5

NZ DIPLOMA IN WELLNESS AND RELAXATION MASSAGE

DURATION – 36 Weeks Full Time

Our Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage, which is the latest version approved and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, is designed for students who wish to become practitioners of Massage Techniques.

The Level 5 massage programme starts on Monday 16th February 2026
Orientation Day is 09 February 2026.

 

Department
Massage Faculty
Campus
Auckland Campus, Online Campus
Level
NZ Diploma In Wellness And Relaxation Massage - Level 5
Credit
120 Credits

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be capable to work independently and within the scope of practice defined by wellness and relaxation massage and will be able to communicate and refer with remedial massage therapists, allied health, wellness and medical professionals for those specialist services.

Further Educational Outcomes

  • New Zealand Diploma in Remedial Massage Level 6
  • Further study can be undertaken in aroma-science, reflexology, and beauty/ spa therapy.
  • Further study is required before being able to practice and be employed in remedial massage
    therapy.
OVERVIEW
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
TUITION FEES
Programme Amis

This programme aims to produce graduates who are equipped with the underpinning knowledge, skills, and attributes for the application of wellness and relaxation massage methods and techniques. Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology (human functioning), including neuro-musculoskeletal anatomy, relevant to wellness and relaxation massage client needs.
It follows a full-time study 1-year (36 weeks) pathway comprising a total of 120 credits at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Part-time within 2 academic years.


Graduates of this qualification will be able to
  • Utilise knowledge of normal anatomy and physiological functioning of the human body systems and how they underpin massage therapy practice.
  • Apply knowledge of neuro-musculoskeletal anatomy and relevant surface anatomy to provide a theoretical and practical foundation for wellness and relaxation, remedial, and sports massage therapy practice.
  • Utilise knowledge of the systems’ functions of nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, metabolic, digestive, urinary, lymphatic, and reproductive systems and how they contribute to wellness and relaxation massage therapies.
  • Utilise underpinning knowledge of massage therapy practice: history of massage; body mechanics and practitioner self-care practices; principles of massage therapy; evidence-based effects of massage therapy (including indications and contraindications); stress and wellness theory; stress management; scope of practice; boundaries; ethical considerations, skills, and values to engage with the process of developing as a professional healthcare practitioner in the New Zealand context; including knowledge of client assessment, history taking/interviewing, communication and listening.
  • Apply knowledge and skills for the application in wellness and relaxation therapy intervention: relaxation massage techniques, wellness techniques, muscle-specific massage techniques; healthcare programming for stress and wellness interventions; and client education.
  • Be proficient in industry standards in delivering manual massage therapies, movement integration, and reflexology, and effective in evaluation, reassessment, and reflection of treatment plans for individual clients.

Course Delivery Methods

This programme is offered by hybrid delivery – a combination of face-to-face, online, and block courses – students outside of Auckland can access class work via Zoom link.


Employment Outcomes

Graduates will obtain the latest version of the New Zealand registered qualification (with international recognition with NZQA partner countries – see Recognition arrangements with other countries – NZQA), opening doors to a wide range of work options in jobs in multidisciplinary health clinics, home-based massage therapy, mobile clinics, or spa-based massage therapy clinics. Graduates are qualified to establish and own a massage clinic or work within the health and wellness sector.

New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5) Qualification Structure
Semester 1 Semester2

MBMS 1 – 15 Credits

Massage Biomedical Science 1

MPP – 15 Credits

Massage Professional Practise

MBMS 2 – 15 Credits

Massage Biomedical Science 2

MCP – 45 Credits

Massage Clinical Practicum

MCS 1 – 15 Credits

Massage Clinical Science 1

/

MCS 2 – 15 Credits

Massage Clinical Science 2

/
Domestic Students

Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age, have passed at least 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 in one year or equivalent, preferably including Biology, and have no communicable diseases, physical or psychological impairments that may adversely affect their ability to undertake the programme of study or work with people in a clinical setting. Applicants must be able to communicate competently in English. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor Māori must have a minimum overall IELTS score of 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0 or equivalent evidence of English language proficiency.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria above, but present evidence of ability to succeed (e.g., maturity, life experience, work experience, other study), or are enthusiastic and motivated to achieve, or provide evidence of relevant prior learning and experience, may be accepted at the discretion of the Programme Management Committee. All applicants must undergo an interview (face-to-face or via video conference) to confirm their suitability for the programme.


International Students

Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age, have passed at least 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 in one year or equivalent, preferably including Biology, and have no communicable diseases, physical or psychological impairments that may adversely affect their ability to undertake the programme of study or work with people in a clinical setting. Applicants must be able to communicate competently in English. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor Māori must have a minimum overall IELTS score of 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0 or equivalent evidence of English language proficiency.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria above, but present evidence of ability to succeed (e.g., maturity, life experience, work experience, other study), or are enthusiastic and motivated to achieve, or provide evidence of relevant prior learning and experience, may be accepted at the discretion of the Programme Management Committee. All applicants must undergo an interview (face-to-face or via video conference) to confirm their suitability for the programme.

Tuition Fees

Domestic students – $8167 inclusive of GST per annum   — Student Loan Available.

International Students – $17330 inclusive of GST per annum early payment discounts are available, if tuition fees are paid one month in advance of the start day.

Estimated Course-Related Costs – $500 inclusive of GST per annum

 

Recent Notice

  • • The next Bachelor’s Course will Start on 09 February 2026.
  • • The next Master’s Course will Start on 16 February 2026.

Contact Us

0064 9 5802376
auck@chinesemedicine.ac.nz

321 Great South Road, Greenlane,
Auckland, New Zealand

Recent News

TCM Programme Accreditation Updates
10 月 15, 2025By
CEO Speech for April 2025 Graduation Ceremony
8 月 19, 2025By

NZ DIPLOMA IN WELLNESS AND RELAXATION MASSAGE LEVEL 5

The next intake start date is : TBC.