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
Academic requirements:
For this programme, you will need:
- A minimum of 4 years secondary education;
- Be 16 years old by the time the programme starts;
- 48 or more NCEA credits at level 2 in four subjects, including:
- 12 credits or more in Mathematics preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry;
- 12 credits or more in English at NCEA level 1 or higher;
- If you haven't met the above NCEA requirements, you'll need one of the following:
- 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.
- A B- average or above in the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Engineering pathway (FSTU 3926 Identity and Communication, FSTU 3922 Physics, FSTU3914 Maths Algebra, FSTU3912 Intro to Algebra), or;
- Equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience, or;
- A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework or equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate or Cambridge: 120 credits in best 4 subjects at AS level plus a D grade or higher in IGCSE English and a D grade or higher in AS Maths), or;
English requirements for international students:
If English is not your first language, you will need one of the following:
- Academic IELTS level 5.5 with no band lower than 5, or;
- The New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 (Applied)
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.
Don’t meet these requirements?
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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 in order to prepare students for further academic study in their chosen pathway. |
