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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) - Engineering

Are you interested in preparing for further study in engineering? The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation is your start to an exciting future in a variety of different engineering options.

Level
4
Credits
60 (0.5 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February or July
Duration
Full-time for 16-weeks or part-time options available

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 Unitec’s New Zealand Diploma in Engineering or the Bachelor of Engineering Technology.

Highlights

  • 16-week programme full-time: Speed your way into the NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Electrical or Electronic)* or the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil, or Electrical);
  • *Cross-credits into these programmes: this means you’ll need to gain fewer credits to gain this qualification;
  • Gain the physics, algebra literacy, and engineering fundamentals requirements for entry into our construction programmes;
  • Tailored content for the engineering bachelor and diploma: the content is highly relevant to the programme in which you want to enter;
  • In this programme you’ll already be a part of an Engineering student body: you’ll be learning with other aspiring engineers;
  • A mix of classroom sessions, practical activities, guest speakers, discussions, presentations and online learning;
  • A chance to engage with Unitec's marae, a great setting to explore mātarangi Māori and the role of culture in communication.

Where to from here

Graduates of this programme can apply for further study in Unitec’s engineering programmes:

  • New Zealand Diploma Engineering (Civil, Electrical, or Electronic): cross-credits available, any major
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil, or Electrical): with a B- average or above, you can apply for any major

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:

  1. A minimum of 4 years’ secondary education;
  2. Be 16 years old by the time the programme starts;
  3. 48 NCEA credits or more at level 2 in four subjects, including:
    • 12 credits or more in Mathematics preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry and;
  4. 12 credits or more in English at NCEA level 1 or higher.
  5. 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: 120 credits in best 4 subjects at AS level plus a D grade or higher in IGCSE English and a D grade or higher in AS Maths), or;
    • Equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience, or;
    • A B- average or above in the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Engineering pathway (FSTU 3926 Identity and Communication, FSTU 3922 Physics, FSTU3914 Maths Algebra, FSTU3912 Intro to Algebra), or;
    • 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:

Don't meet these requirements?

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:

 

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
Academic Skills for Business, Construction and Engineering (BPED4007) 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.
Engineering Fundamentals (ENGGDE4101) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To introduce the basic fundamentals of a range of engineering strands.
Courses Credits Aim
Electrical Principles (ENGGDE4401) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To provide the students with an understanding of general electrical and power circuit theory principles and skills required for subsequent courses.