About UCOL
UCOL exists for one reason: to help people succeed in life. We recruit lecturers who are industry-experienced, love the areas they teach and know how to pass on the passion. UCOL’s style is down-to-earth. We’re here to get the job done – and the job is helping you build the skills and confidence to get out there and succeed in your chosen area. We are a government funded Institute of Technology with campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, and Wairarapa in the lower North Island of New Zealand.
UCOL is proud of its modern learning environment, from the training restaurant to the massage room, our science labs to the gym. Student studios give students access to PCs with a range of software, exposure to the Internet and the ability to download programme course material.
Our teaching staff represent a considerable depth of industry experience, and each year they return to their respective industries to keep up with new developments. We expect our teaching staff to continue with their own education and encourage excellence through our annual teaching awards.
Advisory groups and industry representatives make sure we keep up with the latest innovation and trends. These representatives, along with our guest lecturers, ensure our programmes reflect what is happening in the real world.
We pride ourselves on the combination of practical experience and theory that our programmes contain, which results in excellent study outcomes and respected qualifications. UCOL graduates are respected for their achievements and UCOL qualifications are well regarded by the community and employers.
Things You'll Love About UCOL - Lecturers who are passionate about what they teach
- A focus on small classes
- Lecturers with strong industry experience
- Hands-on learning
- Huge range of programmes and courses, both on campus and Online
- Personal Education Planners
- Health and childcare facilities
- Vibrant and fun campus environments
- UCOL's Official Documents provide more information about our business performance.
UCOL History UCOL - Universal College of Learning - was founded in 1906 and was known as the Palmerston North Technical School. In 1971 it became the Palmerston North Technical Institute and in 1983 the Manawatu Polytechnic. At the time it specialised in apprenticeship courses for the trade sectors, and in hobby, art and craft classes. It also developed a range of night school programmes in business studies for working adults.
As successive governments placed emphasis on vocational education to support New Zealand's economic growth, the Polytechnic broadened the courses offered, but retained a focus on core vocational programmes. It now delivers Foundation and Certificate programmes, Diplomas, Degrees and some Post-Graduate options across a wide range of subjects as well as community based programmes.
In late 1998 the Manawatu Polytechnic changed its name to the Universal College of Learning (UCOL).
In January 2001 the Wairarapa Regional Polytechnic was incorporated into UCOL, followed by the integration of the Wanganui Regional Community Polytechnic on 1 April 2002.