UNIVERSITY COURSES
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor's degrees are conferred after three years, honors degrees after four years and professional degrees take upto six years. The curriculum for a degree course consists of units, papers and courses. In each subject lectures, tutorials and where required library work has to be completed. In each subject there are usually first-year (stage 1 or 100-level), second-year (stage 2 or 200 level) and third-year (stage 3 or 300 level) courses. A second-year course may be commenced only after prescribed passes in the subject at stage 1 and a third-year course only after passing 12th.
Courses in colleges of education:
Colleges of education offer a variety of course options:
Diploma of education (3 years)
Bachelors degree in education (4 years)
Postgraduate diploma for secondary teachers (1 year)
Higher diploma of teaching/advanced diploma of teaching for practicing
Graduate diploma
This is a one-year, full-time course of study for graduates. It does not always require its students to have prior learning or experience in the subject matter of the diploma.
Postgraduate diploma
A one-year's full-time study, designed for graduates, which builds on the subject matter in the academic field of the previous degree.
Master's degree
Post graduation is of two years duration after a graduate degree. However, after honors course, Masters Degree can be completed in a year's time. At the Master's level, study can be pursued as a taught course or through research.
The Master's degree is open to those who have completed a Bachelor's degree. The course of study is usually one or two years of full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study. The work required normally builds upon the prior knowledge gained in the major part of the Bachelor's degree, and most or all of it is in that discipline. It is at a more advanced level. That is normally reflected in the content of the work; in the mode of teaching which is likely to emphasize seminar presentation; and in provision of research experience for the candidate. A thesis is an account of a substantial piece of research. Many Masters' degrees include a thesis component, and in some cases, particularly those which are taken after a four-year Bachelor's (Honors) course, the degree may be thesis-only. However increasingly, Masters' degrees by papers, or papers plus research, are becoming available. The successful student is expected to show, as the title implies, a real grasp of the subject, demonstrated by an understanding of the discipline, a capacity to reflect upon it, and an ability to undertake research into it.
Doctorate
The main doctorate offered by New Zealand universities is the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy. This, of course, is not offered merely in the subject Philosophy, but in the wide range of subjects universities offer. Almost invariably, a student is required to prepare under supervision a substantial thesis that represents original research into an approved topic normally carried out over a minimum of three full-time years.
Candidates prepare a thesis on the conduct and results of their research. This is marked by a panel of examiners including at least two external to the University. In most cases this is followed by an oral examination of the thesis and the candidate's knowledge in the area before the degree is awarded. Admission to PhD study requires a first or good second class honors Bachelors degree, or a Masters degree at first or good second class honors standard or comparable qualifications. Acceptance is also subject to the availability of staff for supervision, and appropriate facilities.
Research in New Zealand universities
New Zealand university faculty is involved in a high level of research activity which has been recognized the world over. The teacher, involved in research and interesting findings, brings to the students unique dimensions in terms of classroom instruction and inspires students to enquiry and discovery.
Research by New Zealand University covers a wide spectrum and forms a vital aspect of university teaching. Research is the principal characteristic which distinguishes universities from other tertiary education institutions. New ZealandNew Zealand universities. Further evidence is provided by the large number of awards and distinctions achieved by New Zealand research leaders. maintains a high level of research activity, the caliber of which continues to be internationally recognized. The proof of this research quality is theimpressive list of publications; many of them refereed journals, which emanate from New Zealand Universities. Further evidence is provided by the large number of awards and distinctions achieved by New Zealand research leaders.
Foundation Studies
Foundation Studies is a one year full-time academic program designed to prepare students from non-English speaking backgrounds for university study in New Zealand. A graduate of Foundation Studies has a university entrance qualification, recognized by all New Zealand universities and widely accepted by Australian universities.
Foundation Studies applicants must:
- be 16 years of age or over; and
- have completed a secondary school equivalent to New Zealand sixth form (year 12), including a pass in Mathematics and English OR have an overseas entry qualification; and
- Have an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score, or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score, which may vary across the universities
All universities offer courses in Humanities, Commerce and Science and generally specialize in teaching certain subjects. Some universities offer a comprehensive double qualification in association with local colleges, e.g., Bachelor in Education with diploma in teaching.
Universities offering specialist courses are:
University of Otago - Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Physical Education) and surveying
University of Canterbury - Forestry, Engineering, Fine Art
University of Lincoln - Agriculture, Horticulture
University of Auckland - Law, Architecture, Planning, Engineering, Medicine, Optometry and Fine Arts
University of Victoria - Architecture, Public Administration and Social Work
Massey University - Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Technology and Veterinary
Specializations - Postgraduate certificate/diplomas can be taken in special education, reading recovery, educational management, library science, information technology, guidance, English teaching (ESL), social work. The institutes offer consultancy services in education.
Academic Year - The academic year for colleges of education is from February to November with a vacation in May and August/September.
Degree programs in polytechnics
Polytechnics offer the first or even the first two years of degree courses on their campus after which a student can transfer to a university. Such conjoint options are available in subjects related to Business, Nursing, Science, etc. Full degrees are offered in Polytechnics in Accounting, Architecture, Design, Technology, Business, Commerce and Communication.
Academic Year - February to June and July to November completes the academic year. Intake is generally in February with restricted entry in July also.
Courses in private institutions
Degree, diploma and certificate courses are offered by these institutes in a range of subjects.
Academic Year - There are three systems in vogue, the 2 term, 3 semester and 4 term systems. The year begins in March and extends till November generally with a break in summer.
