PROGRAMMES
Our Programmes
for each Schools
Information for new, continuing, and returning students applying to study at Tonga National University.
Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing – Level 7
The focus of this program is to expand and enhance the current Registered nurse’s knowledge and clinical skills to advance their acute nursing practice. Within the scope of advancing nursing practice, nurses are required to assess patients, make provisional diagnoses, request and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe therapeutic interventions based on skilled client assessment and sound evidence-based decision-making processes. In order to provide effective and safe care, nurses must be able to master a range of core and specialty-based assessment skills, using critical thinking, and a diagnostic reasoning process. This program consists of two 30 credit point courses that runs in two semesters.Advanced Diploma in Nursing – Level 6
The Advanced Diploma of Nursing aims to educate and prepare competent and safe to practice registered nurse in Tonga and possibly in the pacific region and beyond. The program provides nurses with sound theoretical knowledge, skills and attributes for the delivery of quality holistic nursing care for the people of Tonga. It encompasses trends in nursing education informed by evidence-based and best practice, to achieve Universal Health Coverage – Sustainable Development Goals, Tonga Strategic Development Framework II, and the mission of the Ministry of Health.Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology – Level 5
This program provides participating individuals with the skills and knowledge to work in a clinical medical laboratory. It prepares the learner with the skills and knowledge required for a medical laboratory technician to carry out all routine tasks and technical procedures in the following medical laboratory disciplines: Haematology; Biochemistry; Microbiology; Immunology/ transfusion science; Histopathology and Laboratory quality management system.Certificate in Dental Assisting – Level
This award provides the knowledge and skills required to assist a dentist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist or dental therapist during oral healthcare procedures. Upon graduating, their role includes maintaining high standards of infection control, taking dental radiographs, assisting with practice management and supporting quality and professionalism in the dental division. The duration of the program is 1 year.Certificate in Environmental Health – Level 4
A 2-yr program which provides knowledge and skills required for professional practice as Environmental Health Inspectors of the Tonga’s Ministry of Health.Initial Teacher Certificate in Education Level 4
Program Statement: Designs for the untrained teachers at secondary school level. Its aim is to provide high-quality, certified teachers for every classroom in Tonga. The certificate will equip teachers with a philosophical basis for Tongan education, core attributes of an effective teacher, skills in assessment, pedagogy, teaching resource development using Tongan modern technology to improve teaching and learning in the Tongan classroom context.
Diploma of Education (Secondary Teaching) Level 5
Program Statement: Designs for school leavers who wish to teach at secondary school level. It is intended to provide high-quality, certified teachers for every classroom in Tonga. This certificate will equip teachers with a philosophical basis for Tongan education, core attributes of an effective teacher, skills in Assessment, pedagogy, teaching resource development using modern technology and Tongan to improve teaching and learning in Tongan classrooms.Diploma of Education (Primary Teaching) Level 5
Program Statement: Designs school leavers who wish to teach at primary school level. It is intended to provide high-quality, certified teachers for every classroom in Tonga. The certificate will equip teachers with a philosophical basis for Tongan education, core attributes of an effective teacher, skills in Assessment, pedagogy, teaching resource development using modern technology and Tongan to improve teaching and learning in Tongan classrooms.Advanced Diploma of Education (Secondary Teaching) Level 6
Program Statement: An applied professional teacher education programme that integrates theory and practice and enables a balanced progression of knowledge, understanding and skills throughout the programme. It aims to produce competent teachers who possess depth of knowledge, a range of skills and positive attitudes for effective teaching and meaningful participation in the development of education in Tonga. The programme aims to produce teachers with a sound general education, dedication to teaching and can operate in secondary schools at a high level of professional competencies.Advanced Diploma of Education (Primary Teaching) Level 6
Program Statement: An applied professional teacher education programme that integrates theory and practice and enables a balanced progression of knowledge, understanding and skills throughout the programme. It aims to produce competent teachers who possess depth of knowledge, a range of skills and positive attitudes for effective teaching and meaningful participation in the development of education in Tonga. The programme aims to produce teachers with a sound general education, dedication to teaching and who can operate in the primary schools at a high level of professional competencies.Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) Level 7
Program Statement: Designs to further enrich teacher trainees in their content, professional, and pedagogical knowledge learnings as Faiako Ma’a Tonga. Courses which will allow for in-depth studying of chosen curriculum teaching areas, context specific tailored education courses, and professional experience placement are core in this programme. The programme also intends to empower graduates to weave together knowledge and skills, mind and context to inspire and educate young minds. Graduates will understand the world from multiple viewpoints and possess the relational sensitivity, competency and imagination to evaluate and adapt to rapid changes within communities, Tonga and in contemporary society.Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) Level 7
Program Statement: Designs to further enrich teacher trainees in their content, professional, and pedagogical knowledge learnings as Faiako Ma’a Tonga. Courses which will allow for in-depth studying of chosen curriculum teaching areas, context specific tailored education courses, and professional experience placement are core in this programme. The programme also intends to empower graduates to weave together knowledge and skills, mind and context to inspire and educate young minds. Graduates will understand the world from multiple viewpoints and possess the relational sensitivity, competency and imagination to evaluate and adapt to rapid changes within communities, Tonga and in contemporary society.Bachelor in Tonga Early Childhood Education Level 7
Program Statement: Develops based on a direction from the Ministry of Education and Training to establish after His Majesty King Tupou VI’s state visit to New Zealand in 2013. Amongst the array of economic and social programs and initiatives presented for His Majesty’s inspection, an Early Childhood Education degree program was recommended developed. The programme was designed with specific intention for ECE in Tonga that is born out of Tonga, its people, its unique sets of knowledge and skills, values and beliefs, epistomologies and tailored specifically for Tongans in Tonga and to be delivered in the Tongan language. Target students are not restricted to potential ECE teachers, but is extended to all Tongans of all ages, whether you are in the education sector or not, but who are interested in pursuing an academic qualification that not only recognizes their perspectives of education, from what and where it is derived, but would also allow them to make a positive contribution to education and society as a whole.Graduate Certificate in Initial Teaching Level 7
Program Statement: Designs to provide its participants with the professional education that will enable them to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and habits of action-research and praxis (reflective practice and active reflection) to provide a sound base for secondary teaching to Form 7. It aims to build on participants’ existing ideas to establish a sound theoretical base, to encourage further development of this knowledge through research and practice in the secondary school setting and provide flexibility in both educational thinking and approaches to teaching. The desired outcome is teachers who are confident in their ability to develop and implement effective classroom programmes and aware of the ongoing nature of personal and professional development.Certificate in Media and Journalism – Level 4
Program Statement: Provides students with the foundational building blocks of media and journalism work. It introduces different forms of news and media and how to effectively construct a story for these different mediums and applications. Graduates will have gained the foundational skills, knowledge and ability to begin professional practice in any of the media, journalism and communications fields available in Tonga. government, non-government organizations or private sector businesses with opportunities to learn practical on-the-job skills.Diploma in Media and Journalism – Level 5
Program Statement: Provides students and professionals with a wide range of knowledge and skills in journalism and reporting. Graduates commence at graduate-level journalist positions in news rooms or graduate-level media communication positions across government, non-government organisations or private sector businesses with opportunities to learn practical on-the-job skills. Continuing to higher-level training such as a Bachelor’s level qualification will advance the student’s employment opportunities upon completion to mid to senior level positions.
Bachelor of Tongan Language and Cultural Studies Level 7 – Mataítohi Úluaki Í He Lea Faka-Tonga’ Moe Úlungaanga Fakafonua’
Program Statement: Ko e polokalama ako Mataߵitohi ߵi he Lea Faka-Tongá mo e Úlungaanga Fakafonuá, ‘oku fakataumuߵa ia ke fakatolonga, paotoloaki mo fakalakalakaߵí ‘a e ako ki he Lea Faka-Tongá mo e Anga fakafonuá ‘i he founga ako ngäue taka ߵi lalo hakanga mo e teki faiva ߵo fakafou ߵi he fekumi fakaߵekatēmiká. ‘E ma‘u ai ‘e he kau ma‘u tohi fakamo‘oni akó ha poto fakapotopoto ߵí he Tufungá mo e Faivá, te nau ߵílo lea, faivalea pea laveߵíloaola ߵi he Lea Faka-Tonga, lau koloa, koloaiߵia pea hoko ko e fakakoloa ߵi he ‘Ulungaanga Fakafonuá pea meߵatēpuú ‘enau faivaola ai ߵi he fāmilí’, lotu’, fonua’ pea mo tuߵapuleߵanga foki.‘I he polokalama akó ni, ߵe teuteuߵí ai e fanau akó ke nau taukei ߵi he Lea Faka-Tonga’, Úlungaanga Fakafonua’, taukei ‘í he Tufunga’ mo e Faiva’.National Certificate for Sustainable Energy Level 1
Program Statement:
Provides trainees with the knowledge about sustainable energy and its applications in Tonga.
National Certificate for Sustainable Energy Level 2
Program Statement:
Provides trainees with the knowledge about sustainable energy and its applications in Tonga.
Certificate in Accounting Level 4
Program Statement: This 12-months program of study provides vocational education and training necessary for school leavers, civil servants and private sector employees to become efficient and effective in the office environment whether in the civil service or in the private sector. It also contributes to a student’s repertoire of basic employable office skills needed by employers in the job market. Graduates are ideal candidates for positions such as junior clerk, accounting officer, or any position that provides clerical and bookkeeping functions.Diploma in Accounting Level 5
Program Statement: This 2-year program builds upon the Certificate program and provides a sound educational base to facilitate the successful completion of university level studies. This also satisfies the basic requirements for entry into the Tonga Society of Accountants. Graduates are capable of performing the tasks of an accounting officer, assistant accountant, internal auditor, cost accountant and accountant in a managerial role. These are highly sought after skills in the growing expansion of the private sector businesses.Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Level 5
Program Statement: Every candidate’s programme of Study for the Level 5 diploma shall comprise seven units – and include 6 compulsory units and one elective Tourism Management unit.
Diploma in Business Level 5
Program Statement: Every candidate’s programme of study for the level 5 diploma shall comprise seven units, including four compulsory units.
Diploma in Hospitality Operations Level 5
Program Statement: Aims to provide a thorough understanding and application of the characteristics of the hospitality industry and introduces the student to the many sectors which form part of it. This includes the hotel sector, food and beverage operations, accommodation management, managed services, gaming and other attractions. The course introduces the concepts of sustainability and how these may be applied to each sector of the industry.
Diploma in Information Technology Level 5
Program Statement: Every candidate’s programme od study for the level 5 diploma shall comprise eight compulsory units [six at level 5 and two units in level 6 Comp 617 and comp 602]
National Certificate in Front Office Management Level 4
Program Statement: Designs for front office executives, front office officers, receptionists, front office managers, and other relevant staff who work at an organization’s front office to enhance customer satisfaction and experience. The holder of this qualification will be able to supervise services at the front line and confidently demonstrate knowledge in yield management, workplace health and safety requirements as well as, maintenance of interactions between front line staff and customers.
National Certificate in Customer Service Level 3
Program Statement: Designs for guest relations officers, customer service representatives, receptionists, customer service managers, and other relevant staff who work in the customer service environment to enhance customer satisfaction and experience. Customer service, one of the key areas with significant skills gap identified in a recent case study 1 in Tonga. The success or failure of our tourism and hospitality businesses and destinations depends on service. The realization of “a more progressive Tonga supporting a higher quality of life for all” 2, also begins with enhanced customer satisfaction through effective customer service in all Tongan businesses, offices, departments and ministries.National Certificate in Tour Guiding – Level 3
Program Statement: Designs for both land and marine tour guides, and for people who are interested in becoming tour guides, to help prepare and deliver guided tours and interpretation of the unique Tongan culture and the physical environment to enhance the overall visitor experience and contribute to business sustainability. Tourism is a rapidly developing industry in Tonga 123, with a growing number of tourists visiting the friendly isles annually. Further, Tonga’s tourism industry also relies heavily on visitors being highly satisfied from their experiences whereby tour guides play a key role with providing information and direction.TNU Certificate in Tourism (Tour Guiding) Level 2
Program Statement: Develops the role of individuals who have a defined and limited range of tourism operational skills and basic industry knowledge. They are involved in mainly routine and repetitive tasks and work under direct supervision. Designs for the people of Tonga who are interested to work in many tourism and travel industry sectors and for a diverse range of employers including travel agencies, tour wholesalers, tour operators, accommodation and resorts, attractions and heritage sites, and in many tourism industry sectors. Work could be undertaken in an office environment where the planning of tourism and travel products and services takes place, in the field where products are delivered and providing customer service or at a commercial environment where tour guiding activities is taking place or a combination of these.
TNU Certificate in Tourism – Level 1
Program Statement: Develops the role of individuals who participated in a range of routine and predictable tourism work activities. They work under close supervision and are given clear directions to complete tasks. Designs for the people of Tonga who are interested in a range of job roles in the tourism industry in organisation with a Tongan focus. These includes travel and aviation industry, tour operators, accommodation and resorts, operators of a site, cultural event or heritage centre. Individuals may have a specific role in a business or an office environment as a Tongan to share aspects of Tongan culture and local events with visitors in a formal or informal way, and or serve as frontlines in a commercialise environment where customer interaction is taking place or a combination of these.
Certificate in Horticulture Level 2
Program Statement: Provides basic operational knowledge of horticulture with moderate range of practical skills which enable the graduates to gain higher levels of study on the field or work in the horticulture industry under general supervision and quality control.Certificate in Horticulture Level 3
Program Statement Provides the horticulture sectors with graduates who have well developed skills and relevant theoretical knowledge of health and safety in the horticulture industry; plants and soil science, plants growing system and environments, to underpin practical capability in a range of horticulture sectors.Certificate in Horticulture Level 4
Program Statement: Provides the practical skills and knowledge which will give students the relevant skills to seek employment or further learning and training within the Agricultural Industry.
Certificate in Agricultural Science Level 4
Program Statement: Designs for students to gain the core skills and knowledge required for working in an agriculture environment, especially that of crop production, livestock husbandry and management. The program provides sound practical skills that are relevant for work in the industry with animals, crops and machinery.Diploma in Agricultural Science Level 5
Program Statement: Designs for students who wish to pursue a career in Agriculture or Horticulture production, management, science of plant breeding, entomology, microbiology, agricultural machinery, and food and health. The program develops student’s ability to conduct research, plan, organize, conduct projects, solve problems, collect, organize and communicate information. It equips student with knowledge and skills of applying science and technology to the production, processing, marketing, and consumption of products.
Diploma in Agricultural Science Level 6
Program Statement: Develops theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in agriculture to ensure the relevance of the discipline in addressing agricultural sector development for food security and sustainable environment. Students will gain applied knowledge in agriculture that will enhance their employment prospects and provide a foundation for continued study and specialization in economics and business, animal management and production science, crop and pasture science, or Environmental and Soil Science.Bachelor of Agricultural Science Level 7
Program Statement: Prepares students with specialized technical knowledge and skills for a professional career in agriculture, horticultural science and agri-business. Graduates will have a strong background in the area of agri-business and marketing, animal management and production science, crops and pasture science, and Environmental and Soil Science. They will gain applied knowledge and skills to create and participate in an agricultural system which can meet the world’s needs for food and fibre, and enhance their employment prospects and provide a foundation for continued post graduate study and specialization in economics and business, animal management and production science, crop and pasture science, or Environmental and Soil Science.
Automotive Light Vehicle
Program Statement: Provides trainees with the skills and experiences of maintaining an automotive light vehicle.
Panel Beating & Spray Painting
Program Statement: Provides trainees with the skills and experiences of panel beating and spray painting.Plumbing
Program Statement: Provides trainees with the basic skills and experiences of working as a plumber.
Carpentry
Program Statement: Provides trainees with the basic skills and experiences of working as a building and construction worker.
Electrical Engineering
Program Statement: Provides trainees with the basic skills and experiences of working as an electrician.
Fitting and Machining
Program Statement: Provides trainees with the basic skills and experiences required of a mechanic.
Welding
Program Statement: Provides trainees with the basic skills and experiences of working as welder.
General Practice Rating
Program Statement: Prepares young people for a career at sea aboard vessels trading either internationally or in Tongan waters. A fully residential and training program, this takes place in a disciplined environment in anticipation that trainees will develop a strong sense of self-discipline, an essential attribute if the graduates are to pursue a successful career in the maritime industry. Trainees will be introduced to the basic skills required by ratings working in the deck, engine and catering departments aboard ship in order to achieve a better understanding of shipboard life and routines and to maximize employment opportunities.Able Seafarer Deck and Engine
Program Statement: Prepares young people for a career at sea aboard vessels trading either internationally or in Tongan waters. The training takes place in a disciplined environment in anticipation that trainees will develop a strong sense of self-discipline, an essential attribute if the graduates are to pursue a successful career in the maritime industry.Master Class 4
Program Statement: Prepares young people for a career at sea aboard vessels trading or in Tongan waters. The successful candidates can be a Master or Chief Engineer on Vessel less than 500 gross tonnage and they can also be an Officer on vessel 500 gt or more. The program is a 23 weeks training and takes place in a disciplined environment in anticipation that trainees will develop a strong sense of self-discipline, an essential attribute if the graduates are to pursue a successful career in the maritime industry. Candidates will be introduced to the basic skills required by watchkeeping working in the bridge deck, engine control room aboard ship in order to achieve a better understanding of shipboard life and routines and to maximize employment opportunities.Master Class 5
Program Statement: Prepares young people for a career at sea aboard vessels trading or in Tongan waters. The successful candidates can be a Master or Chief Engineer on Vessel less than 250 gross tonnage and they can also be an officer on vessel 250 gt or more. The program is of 20 weeks and training takes place in a disciplined environment in anticipation that trainees will develop a strong sense of self-discipline, an essential attribute if the graduates are to pursue a successful career in the maritime industry. Trainees will be introduced to the basic skills required by ratings working in the deck, engine and catering departments aboard ship in order to achieve a better understanding of shipboard life and routines and to maximize employment opportunities.
Master Class 6
Program Statement: Prepares young people for a career at sea aboard vessels trading either internationally or in Tongan waters. The program is fully residential and training takes place in a disciplined environment in anticipation that trainees will develop a strong sense of self-discipline, an essential attribute if the graduates are to pursue a successful career in the maritime industry. Trainees will be introduced to the basic skills required by ratings working in the deck, engine and catering departments aboard ship in order to achieve a better understanding of shipboard life and routines and to maximize employment opportunities.
Dangerous Cargo
Program Statement: Prepares students for any emergency like fire or survival technique arises while at sea. Trainees will be introduced to the basic skills required by SOLAS while working onboard vessel.
Basic Safety of Life at Sea
Program Statement: Prepares young people for a career at sea aboard vessels trading either internationally or in Tongan waters. This program prepares students for any emergency like Fire or survival technique arises while at sea. Trainees will be introduced to the basic skills required by SOLAS while working onboard vessel.Certificate in Information Systems
Program Statement: Provides an introduction to information systems; its compoments, design and construction of such systems in commercial, scientific and governmental enterprises; the physical and logical characteristics of processors and stores; characteristics of networks; data types and their representations and the specification of information systems.
Diploma in Information Systems
Program Statement: An extension study of the Certificate Program, exploring database management systems, file processing, data models, query languages, recovery and concurrency, security and integrity, the development of database using a relational model, and use of object-oriented programming languages.
Certificate in Computer Studies
Program Statement: Introduces students to data structures and algorithms. Develops their basic understanding of Object-Oriented Programming and knowledge of Visual Basic.Net using a visual programming environment, as well as provoding them with a range of skills required to be an apt computer programmer.Diploma in Computer Science
Program Statement: A natural extension of the Certificate Program, aiming mainly to consolidate and extend students’ knowledge, skills and work as a computer programmer. Students have the opportunity to study classical algorithms for solving real world problems in terms of programmatic technique as well as asymptotic analysis. Critical thinking skills are developed through using different techniques to solve new problems.Information Systems
Computer Studies
Horticulture Level 2
Horticulture Level 3
Horticulture Level 4
Agricultural Science Level 4
Automotive Light Vehicle
Panel Beating & Spray Painting
Plumbing
Carpentry
Electrical Engineering
Fitting and Machining
Welding
Accounting Level 4
Tourism – Level 1
Tourism (Tour Guiding) Level 2
Media and Journalism
Dental Assisting
Environmental Health
Initial Teacher Education
Sustainable Energy Level 1
Sustainable Energy Level 2
Tour Guiding Level 3
Customenr Service Level 3
Front Office Management Level 4
Information Systems