Qualifications

New Zealand Qualifications Framework

 Universities offer qualifications from Levels 4/5 (foundation courses) and from Level 7 up.

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University preparation programmes

(New Zealand Qualifications Framework Levels 4/5)

All universities have foundation pathways for students who need further English language, academic and study skills preparation before undertaking undergraduate study. Foundation programmes generally run for up to one year of full-time study.

 

Bachelor’s degree

(NZQF Level 7)

Normally takes three years (full-time) and consists of a prescribed number of papers or courses. Typically, a bachelor’s degree offers a great deal of flexibility and the opportunity for students to choose a programme appropriate for them.

 

Bachelor’s degree with honours

(NZQF Level 8)

An integrated four-year programme requiring more specialised study in the chosen major subject and frequently involving some independent research or investigation. You can also choose to do a one-year programme of honours study following a standard bachelor’s degree. 

 

Graduate diploma / graduate certificate

(NZQF Level 7)

A graduate diploma is a one-year (full-time) course of study for graduates. Prior learning or experience in the subject matter of the diploma is not always required, giving graduates an opportunity to add a qualification in a different major subject to that of their first degree. A graduate diploma may also be used as a bridging qualification to specialist postgraduate study.

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A graduate certificate is a half-year (full-time) course of study.

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Postgraduate diploma / postgraduate certificate

(NZQF Level 8)

A postgraduate diploma is a one-year (full-time) course of study that builds on the same subject matter in the academic field of a relevant bachelor’s degree.

 

A postgraduate certificate is a half-year (full-time) course of study.

 

Masters’ degree

(NZQF Level 9)

Open to those who have completed a bachelor’s degree with good grades and comprises one to two years of advanced study in the student’s major discipline.​​

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Doctorate

(NZQF Level 10)

Normally the highest academic qualification available within a university. The main doctorate is the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). This degree can be taken in any one of the wide range of subjects and involves original and sustained research under academic supervision. A PhD usually takes at least three years of full-time study.

 

Conjoint degrees

A specialised programme of study that enables a student to complete two bachelor’s degrees in a shortened time.