Postgraduate Certificate in Human Performance Leadership

Take a focused first step into high-performance leadership with the AUT Online Postgraduate Certificate in Human Performance Leadership.

This flexible qualification provides foundation-level capability in performance science, psychology of performance, leadership and team dynamics. You’ll gain practical tools to apply evidence-based insights in your professional context, helping you build resilience, support wellbeing and contribute to high-performing teams.

The programme is open to professionals from any academic or industry background who want to strengthen their leadership in applied performance settings. It is particularly relevant to those working in sport, defence, emergency services and other high-stakes environments, as well as those aspiring to move into these domains.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Human Performance Leadership also serves as a direct pathway to the Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Human Performance Leadership, with all courses fully credited should you choose to continue your studies.

100% online: Study from anywhere, anytime, with no need to attend campus
Tailored for busy professionals: Balance work, life and study with a flexible, part-time structure
Your experience counts: Your professional expertise is valued – if you have sufficient work experience but no degree, you can still qualify
Personalised support: Access expert guidance and resources when you need them, seven days a week

Why choose the AUT Online Postgraduate Certificate in Human Performance Leadership

Accessible entry point: Gain a recognised postgraduate qualification with no requirement for prior study in psychology, physiology or sport science.
Practical and applied: Build tools you can use immediately to support performance, wellbeing and leadership in your workplace.
Flexible progression: Completed courses can be credited toward the postgraduate diploma or full Master of Human Performance Leadership, enabling you to advance when you’re ready.
Culturally responsive: Strengthen your leadership practice through Māori and Indigenous frameworks and ethical approaches.

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Entry requirements
What you study
Career opportunities
Related programmes

This programme is currently only available for domestic students.

If you already have a university degree

A bachelor’s degree, graduate diploma or professional qualification

If you don’t yet have a university degree

7 years of work experience

Your experience counts

At AUT Online, we value your professional expertise. If you have relevant work experience but no undergraduate degree, you can still take the next step toward achieving your goals with our Postgraduate Certificate in Human Performance Leadership programme.

Not sure if you qualify? Enquire now to discuss your eligibility.

The AUT Online Postgraduate Certificate in Human Performance Leadership gives you a flexible introduction to performance science, leadership psychology, team dynamics and culturally responsive practice so you can apply human performance principles in real-world, high-stakes environments.

You'll learn to:

Build foundational knowledge of performance physiology and apply strategies for preparation, recovery and sustainable high performance
Analyse psychological and relational factors that shape leadership under pressure and design psychologically informed interventions
Strengthen team culture, communication and psychological safety to support high-trust, high-performing environments
Use performance technologies and data by balancing analytics with human judgement to inform timely, context-aware decisions

You’ll complete two of the following 30-point courses, taken one at a time over trimesters, enabling you to focus on each subject in depth. Course availability may vary depending on the trimester schedule.

Courses

The Postgraduate Certificate in Human Performance Leadership equips you with foundation-level knowledge and tools to support performance and leadership in high-stakes contexts. It’s ideal if you want to enhance your current role, explore opportunities in human performance leadership or prepare for further study.

Potential career paths

Team leader or coordinator in applied performance settings
Performance support or readiness coordinator
Coach development or athlete development advisor
Wellbeing, resilience or training coordinator
Training operations or programme coordinator
Leadership support roles across sport, defence and emergency services
Professionals in adjacent fields (including health, education or tactical training) who want to integrate human performance insights into their current roles

This qualification also provides a seamless pathway into the Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Human Performance Leadership for those ready to advance their leadership capability further.

Not sure which qualification suits your goals? AUT Online offers flexible options to fit your needs:

Courses completed in the postgraduate certificate can be fully credited toward the postgraduate diploma or master’s degree, enabling you to build on your achievements seamlessly and progress your leadership journey when you’re ready.

Quick facts

Programme code:

ON1097

Level:

Points:

Duration:

7 months part-time

Delivery:

100% online

Starts:

23 Feb 2026
13 Jul 2026

Key trimester dates

Fees

Domestic:

Full fees: $4,333 (for 60 points)
Student services levy (additional, for 60 points): $595.80

Fees are calculated for the full indicative programme cost (180 points), based on 2026 fees, which are reviewed annually.

This online programme is currently not available for international students.

Enquire about the AUT Online Postgraduate Certificate in Human Performance Leadership here today.