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 performing and screen arts, if you're not exactly sure what area to focus on, or if you are already in employment in this industry who want to improve your personal communication and professional presentation skills. While this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow you to progress to higher-level programmes.
The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation specialising in screen arts, acting, and technical productions, will expose you to the basic principles of production, acting, theatre technologies and design, moving image study, as well as collaborative project-based learning.
Highlights
- Emphasis on practical skills and project-based learning: You will develop performance pieces, work behind the scenes in the theatre, and make your own videos.
- Learn from Lecturers who are eager to share their industry experience with you.
- Access to Unitec's excellent performing arts facilities.
- A mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, critique sessions, student seminars, discussions, presentations and online learning.
- A chance to take classes in Unitec's marae, a great setting to explore Māori oratorical traditions and the role of culture in communication.
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 Performing and Screen 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Images (BECI4302) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to provide students with a broad theoretical and operational understanding and awareness of the moving image as a communication medium in contemporary society and culture setting, and gain an ability to analyse and make use of selected media forms. |
| Acting (BECI4803) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to provide tauira with a broad theoretical and operational understanding of storytelling techniques and to develop creative outcomes across a range of performing arts forms and disciplines. |
| 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. |
| Academic Skills for Architecture, Art and Screen (BPED4008) | 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 in their chosen pathway. |
