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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) – Science

The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways is designed to prepare students for further study in science, particularly in the field of biodiversity management. This programme is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in conservation and biodiversity management.

Programme Overview

This programme explores how ecosystems function and provides students with the relevant literacy, numeracy, and scientific skills necessary to become leaders in biosecurity. Although this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow students to progress to higher-level programmes.

Highlights

• Tailored content for the Bachelor of Applied Science, preparing students for the Unitec programme.
• Students will be part of an applied science student body, learning alongside other aspiring environmental scientists.
• Lecturers share their industry experience with students.
• Opportunity to complete a collaborative project to develop skills for a career in biodiversity management.
• Mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, critique sessions, guest speakers, discussions, presentations, and online learning.
• Chance to engage with Unitec's marae, exploring mātauranga Māori and the role of culture in communication.

Career Options

This programme prepares students for study toward a career in ecology, conservation, and biodiversity management.

Annual Tuition Fees

• Domestic/NZ students: $3,580 (approximate fees only, includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy).
• International students: $13,207 (NZD) (approximate fees for 60 credits), with the option to save up to $1,000 (NZD) with the Unitec International Study Grant 2026.

Semester Dates

• Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
• Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

Admission Requirements

Domestic Students

To apply, students must meet the following criteria:

• Academic requirements
• General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
• English language requirements
• Completion of a pre-entry Skills Review session

Academic Requirements

Students must meet one of the following:

• UE numeracy or equivalent
• A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four subjects, including:
  • 12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher
  • 12 credits in Science at Level 1 or higher
• A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) or an equivalent international qualification
• The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3), including FSTU 3921 Bioscience

General Admission

• Students must be 16 years old or older when the programme starts.
• If under 16, students must complete an Early Release Exemption form.

Special Admission

• Students must be 20 years old or older when the programme starts
• Show evidence of work, life, or study experience
• Complete a pre-entry Skills review

Discretionary Admission

• Students are under 20 and do not meet the general admission requirements
• Level of preparedness for study at the required level will be reviewed, and a Skills Review will be undertaken

English Language Requirements for International Students

Students must meet one of the following:

• IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5, with no band lower than 5.5
• New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3) or an equivalent qualification

Courses and Timetables

For details on courses, including timetables, please refer to the specific course webpage.

Compulsory Courses

• Academic Skills for Science, Healthcare and Social Work (BPED4001)
  • Credits: 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  • Aim: Introduces pathway-related concepts and develops pathway-related academic skills to prepare students for further academic study or employment.

Elective Courses

• Exploring Leadership (BECS4704)
  • Credits: 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  • Aim: Introduces the concepts of leadership and Rangatira, exploring self-leadership and the influence of others.
• Human Biology for Healthcare (BEHC4403)
  • Credits: 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  • Aim: Introduces pathway-related concepts in human biology and healthcare, developing skills for further study or employment.
• Community Development (BPED4002)
  • Credits: 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  • Aim: Provides project experience using social change in a community development context.
• Maths for Healthcare (BPED4003)
  • Credits: 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  • Aim: Extends students' confidence and understanding of mathematical and statistical concepts needed within a nursing or health context.
• Bioscience 4 (BPED4004)
  • Credits: 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  • Aim: Develops a working knowledge of fundamental biological concepts, problems, and communication skills.
• Psychology 4 (BPED4005)
  • Credits: 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  • Aim: Introduces students to the dimensions of biopsychosocial health and wellbeing.
• Applied Maths (BPED4006)
  • Credits: 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  • Aim: Introduces and develops pathway-related mathematical skills for further study or employment.