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.
While this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow you to progress to higher-level programmes.This programme is ideal if you want to go on to higher-level study in Accounting, Business Management, Marketing and Digital Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Operations Management. It's also perfect for people already in employment who want to improve their professional presentation, business communication, and digital skills.
Highlights
- Emphasis on practical skills and project-based learning: you could be designing an advertising campaign; managing accounts for a simulated business; creating promotional material such as brochures, print ads or posters.
- Learn from Lecturers who are eager to share their industry experience with you.
- A mix of clas room sessions, practical workshops, critique sessions, student seminars, discussions, presentations and online learning.
- An opportunity to learn about Māori culture and business principles from Māori lecturers and guest speakers.
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 Business Pathway, you must meet one of the following:
- UE numeracy or equivalent
- A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four approved subjects, including:
- 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) or an equivalent qualification.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Business Concepts and Communication (BEBP4201) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | To provide an overview of business concepts and enable tauira to communicate business information. |
| Applied Project (BEBP4203) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course will prepare tauira for further academic study and/or employment in their chosen pathway by providing project experience both as an individual and as a team member. |
| Collaborative Project Creative (BECI4901) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course will prepare tauira for further academic study and/or employment in their chosen pathway by providing creative project experience in both individual and collaborative contexts. |
| 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 to prepare tauira for further academic study or employment in their chosen pathway. |
