Programme overview
Please note: Updates are being made to the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation. A new version is scheduled to start in semester 1, 2025. When applying please be aware that you will automatically be enrolled into the new version called the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways. once your application is complete.
Programme content has been updated with some new courses added. The programme structure, criteria and outcomes will remain the same, and successful completion will allow you to progress into higher level programmes.
As our human footprint increasingly makes its mark on the planet, conservation experts are in demand. This programme is ideal if you want to go on to higher-level study in conservation and biodiversity management. In it, you’ll explore how ecosystems function and learn the relevant literacy, numeracy and scientific skills you will need to become a leader in the biosecurity of Aotearoa New Zealand. While this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow you to progress to higher-level programmes.
Highlights
- Tailored content for the Bachelor of Applied Science, meaning it'll prepare you for the Unitec programme in which you want to enter;
- As a student in this programme, you’ll be part of an applied science student body – learning alongside other aspiring environmental scientists;
- Learn from lecturers who are eager to share their industry experience with you;
- A chance to complete a collaborative project in order to develop the skills you'll need for a career in biodiversity management;
- A mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, critique sessions, guest speakers, discussions, presentations and online learning;
- A chance to take engage with Unitec's marae, a great setting to explore mātauranga Māori and the role of culture in communication.
Where to from here?
Upon successful completion of this programme, you can go apply for study in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management).
Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements:
For this programme, you will need the following:
- A minimum of 4 years’ secondary education;
- Be 16 years old by the time the programme starts;
- A minimum total of 40 NCEA credits at level 2 in four subjects, including:
- A minimum of 12 English credits at level 1 or higher;
- A minimum of 12 Science credits at Level 1 or higher;
- University Entrance numeracy (or equivalent);
- If you haven't met the above NCEA requirements, you'll need one of the following:
- A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework or equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate or Cambridge), or;
- The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) including FSTU 3921 Bioscience, or;
- After you have submitted your application to study at Unitec, you may be asked to attend a skills review session to assess your literacy and numeracy levels. This helps us to enrol you in the best programme and courses for your career pathway.
English requirements for international students:
If English is not your first language, you will need one of the following:
- Academic IELTS level 6 with no band lower than 5.5, or;
- The New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 (Academic).
If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still apply under special or discretionary entrance, or try our New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3).
For more information download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2025; please check back again soon.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Skills for Science, Healthcare and Social Work (BPED4001) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces pathway-related concepts and develops pathway-related academic skills in order to prepare students for further academic study in their chosen pathway. |
| Community Development (BPED4002) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course will prepare students for further academic study in their chosen pathway by providing creative project experience in both individual and collaborative contexts. |
| Bioscience 4 (BPED4004) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop students theoretical and practical knowledge of fundamental biological concepts as well as to improve vocabulary, problem solving, and use of scientific processes needed for further academic study. |
| Applied Maths (BPED4006) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces pathway-related concepts and develops pathway-related academic skills in order to prepare students for further academic study in their chosen pathway. |
