Short Course

SEO Essentials Course

24 June 2026

Learn the fundamentals of search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) in this 20-hour online course. Explore SEO strategies through hands-on exercises in keyword research, website optimisation, and Google Ads.

HOW TO APPLY

Price

Domestic learners

$395 NZD incl GST where applicable

International learners

$821 NZD incl GST where applicable

Qualification

Short course with a digital badge

Duration

20 hours

Entry times

13 July 2026
17 August 2026
28 September 2026
2 November 2026

*For the best learning experience, we recommend 5 hours of study per week over 4 weeks. Learning must be completed within 2 months.

Enrolments open for July or August

In this section

Overview

Get to grips with the fundamentals of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) in just 20 hours.

Explore the importance of keywords, campaigns, and conversions in this short online SEO course. Through flexible online learning, you'll explore best practices around SEO and SEM, including how to optimise websites, monitor performance, and use data to inform decisions.

Learn how to improve your digital presence and maximise return on ad spend by exploring how search engines operate, and how SEO and SEM strategies can support business growth.

Through hands-on exercises in keyword research, website SEO optimisation, and Google Ads campaign design, you'll develop the confidence to implement and monitor data-driven SEO strategies.

This course is ideal for

Marketers looking to upskill in SEO and SEM
Website developers
Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Other professionals who manage websites, or Google Ads

UC Online student on computer carrying out keyword research for website seo optimisations in SEO Essentials course.

Your pathway to postgraduate study starts here

SEO Essentials is more than a short course — it’s a chance to experience the type of content and learning available in our Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing.

Adapted from the programme's Search Engine Success course, this 20-hour SEO and SEM marketing course lets you experience online learning, build practical skills, and decide if further study is right for you.

If you enjoy this course, the PGCertDigiMktg — made up of four nine-week courses — will help you progress your career as professional marketer.

You’ll be learning online with a flexible, supportive programme designed to fit around your life and career.

Explore certificate

What you'll learn

This SEO and SEM marketing course gives you the skills to:

Compare and contrast the benefits of SEO versus paid search
Design and optimise Google Ads campaigns using appropriate objectives, targeting, and bidding strategies
Implement data-driven SEM and SEO strategies based on performance metrics
Create integrated search marketing strategies that combine SEO and SEM effectively

Not ready to enrol? Sign up for updates

Stay updated

How it works

Our SEO Essentials course is flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments. You can choose to complete the 20 hours of study when it suits you during the learning period.

We recommend completing around 5 hours of study per week over 4 weeks, but you'll have 8 weeks to complete all learning.

Study anywhere online and feel supported everywhere

Nervous about studying online?
You'll start your SEO and SEM marketing course with an optional UC Online Essentials course, giving you a chance to get familiar with the learning management system (LMS). Learn more about how online study with us really works.

Online, not alone
Study anywhere, feel supported everywhere. This accelerated learning course is designed to help you gain new skills quickly and effectively — maximum learning and minimum time commitment. This means there will not be a dedicated course facilitator, but our Enrolment Support and Learner Support teams are always here to help.

Qualification
This is a standalone course that recognises the achievement of specific skills, experience, or knowledge. There are no academic points associated with this course.

Recognition
Upon successful completion of the course you will be issued a digital badge to recognise your learning achievements.

Ready to start learning?

Enrol now for July or August

Enrol for 13 July

Enrol for 17 Aug

Course outline

This SEO and SEM marketing course is divided into four modules you'll work your way through over the learning period. Each module includes specific learning objectives, educational content across a range of media, activities to apply what you've learnt, plus a 'temperature check' survey to make sure you're getting what you need as a learner.

Module 1: How search engines work

Module 2: Paid search success

Module 3: Performance metrics and analytics interpretation

Module 4: Take it to work

Assessments
All assessments are self-assessments, mostly short quizzes with instant feedback to help check your understanding. To complete the course, you’ll simply need to work through all learning modules and complete the self-assessment activities. There are no formal grades for this course.

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this SEO Essentials course – it is open to anyone who has confidence listening, reading, and writing in English.

This SEO and SEM marketing course is designed for people working or aspiring to work with websites or search adverts – if you're not sure please contact us via info@uconline.ac.nz to check if this course is right for you.

Technology requirements

We recommend a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection.
A PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC) to download PDFs with assessment instructions.
Word processing software (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) to complete your assignments.

Course fees
Course fees must be paid before learning can begin, either via online credit-card payment, or you can request an invoice by filling out this form. Invoice requests must be submitted by the Monday before the course entry date. If you’re enquiring after that, we recommend paying by credit card to avoid any delay to enrolment.

Group discounts
Get your colleagues together to take advantage of our group discounts:

10% for 3 - 6 learners
15% for 7+ learners

Contact our Enrolment Support Team to learn more and enquire now.

Withdrawals and refunds
Once learning begins, you are eligible for a withdrawal with refund up until the end of day 3. After this date, refunds may be available if your circumstances are exceptional, for example if you've experienced a serious medical event.

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Accept all

Decline all

Cookies policy