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.
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
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;
- Successfully complete an interview, audition and/or submission;
- A minimum total of 40 NCEA credits at level 2 in four subjects;
- A minimum of 12 English 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);
- 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 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 students with a broad theoretical and operational understanding of storytelling techniques and to develop creative outcomes across a range of performing arts forms and disciplines. Students will also develop awareness, and a broad theoretical and operational understanding, of the technology and processes associated with live performance, and workplace routines for working safely and creatively behind the scenes. |
| Collaborative Project Creative (BECI4901) | 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. |
| 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. |
