Programme overview
This programme is now called the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways. Updates have been made to the old version, the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation, including content and additional courses. The programme structure, criteria and outcomes will remain the same, and successful completion will allow you to progress into higher-level programmes
This programme is ideal if you want to go on to higher-level study in construction at Unitec. You’ll gain the literacy, math, and basic construction principles required to enter our construction programmes.
Highlights
- 16-week programme full-time: Speed your way into the NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology, NZ Diploma in Construction*, or Bachelor of Construction
- *Cross-credits into these programmes: you’ll need fewer credits to gain this qualification.
- Tailored content for the construction diploma and bachelor: this means the content is highly relevant to the programme you want to enter.
- In this programme you’ll already be a part of a Construction student body: you’ll be learning with other aspiring construction managers, property developers and/or quantity surveyors.
- A mix of classroom sessions, practical activities, guest speakers, discussions, presentations and online learning.
- A chance to engage with Unitec's marae, a great setting to explore mātarangi Māori and the role of culture in communication.
Where to from here?
Graduates of this programme can apply for further study in Unitec’s construction programmes:
- Bachelor of Construction (Construction Economics, Construction Management, or Property Development): graduates with a B- average or above can apply for any major of this programme
- New Zealand Diploma Construction: graduates can apply for this programme and gain up to 30 cross-credits available
- New Zealand Diploma Architectural Technology: graduates can apply for this programme and gain up to 30 cross-credits available
Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.
Admission requirements
To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Academic requirements
- General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
- English language requirements
- You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session
General Admission
- You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts.
- If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form and meet the pathway specific requirements.
Special Admission
- You’ll be 20 years old or older when the programme starts
- Show evidence of your work, life, or study experience (e.g., a previous qualification or job history)
- You will complete a pre-entry Skills review
Discretionary Admission
- You’re under 20 and don’t meet the general admission requirements
- Your level of preparedness for study at the required level will be reviewed and you will undertake a Skills Review
Academic Requirements
To be eligible for the Construction Pathway, you must meet one of the following:
-
UE numeracy or equivalent
- A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four subjects, including:
- At least 12 credits in Mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus, or trigonometry)
- At least 12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher
Or
- A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge)
Or
- The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (previously known as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)), or an equivalent qualification.
English language requirements for international students
You must meet one of the following:
- IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0 (must be from a single test, taken within the last two years)
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3)
For more information download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Maths (BPED4006) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces and develops pathway-related mathematical skills to prepare tauira for further study and/or employment in their chosen pathway.?? |
| Academic Skills for Business, Construction and Engineering (BPED4007) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces pathway-related concepts and develops pathway-related academic skills to prepare tauira for further academic study and/or employment in their chosen pathway. |
