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

Are you interested in preparing for further study in applied science? The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation is your start to an exciting future in biodiversity management. 

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

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Programme overview

As our human footprint increasingly makes its mark on the planet, conservation experts are in demand. This programme is ideal if you want to go on to higher-level study in conservation and biodiversity management. In it, you’ll explore how ecosystems function and learn the relevant literacy, numeracy and scientific skills you will need to become a leader in the biosecurity of Aotearoa New Zealand. While this certificate programme is not equivalent to University Entrance, successful completion will allow you to progress to higher-level programmes.

Highlights

  • Tailored content for the Bachelor of Applied Science, meaning it'll prepare you for the Unitec programme in which you want to enter;
  • As a student in this programme, you’ll be part of an applied science student body – learning alongside other aspiring environmental scientists;
  • Learn from lecturers who are eager to share their industry experience with you;
  • A chance to complete a collaborative project in order to develop the skills you'll need for a career in biodiversity management;
  • A mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, critique sessions, guest speakers, discussions, presentations and online learning;
  • A chance to take engage with Unitec's marae, a great setting to explore mātauranga Māori and the role of culture in communication.

Where to from here?

Upon successful completion of this programme, you can go apply for study in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management).

Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme. 

Admission requirements

Domestic students

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Academic requirements
  • General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
  • English language requirements
  • You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the Science Pathway, you must meet one of the following: 

  • UE numeracy or equivalent 
  • A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four subjects, including a minimum of : 
  • 12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher 
  • 12 credits in Science at Level 1 or higher; Or 
  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge); Or 
  • The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (previously known as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)), including FSTU 3921 Bioscience) 

General Admission

  • You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts. 
  • If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form. For more information on this process please see The Ministry of Education's website here.

Special Admission

  • You’ll be 20 years old or older when the programme starts
  • Show evidence of your work, life, or study experience (e.g., a previous qualification or job history)
  • You will complete a pre-entry Skills review

Discretionary Admission

  • You’re under 20 and don’t meet the general admission requirements 
  • Your level of preparedness for study at the required level will be reviewed and you will undertake a Skills Review. 

English language requirements for international students

You must meet one of the following:

For more information download the programme regulations.

International Student

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Academic requirements
  • General admission, special admission, or discretionary admission requirements
  • English language requirements
  • You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the Science Pathway, you must meet one of the following: 

  • UE numeracy or equivalent 
  • A minimum total of 40 NCEA Level 2 credits across four subjects, including a minimum of : 
  • 12 credits in English at Level 1 or higher 
  • 12 credits in Science at Level 1 or higher; Or 
  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., International Baccalaureate or Cambridge); Or 
  • The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (previously known as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)), including FSTU 3921 Bioscience) 

General Admission

  • You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts. 
  • If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form. For more information on this process please see The Ministry of Education's website here.

Special Admission

  • You’ll be 20 years old or older when the programme starts
  • Show evidence of your work, life, or study experience (e.g., a previous qualification or job history)
  • You will complete a pre-entry Skills review

Discretionary Admission

  • You’re under 20 and don’t meet the general admission requirements 
  • Your level of preparedness for study at the required level will be reviewed and you will undertake a Skills Review. 

English language requirements for international students

You must meet one of the following:

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 2026; please check back again soon.

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program code:NZCSP - SCIENCE

Compulsory Course ID:012685 - 4001 - Academic Skills for Science, Healthcare and Social Work

Course count:1280
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Elective Course ID:013227 - 4704 - Exploring Leadership

Course count:64

Elective Course ID:013229 - 4403 - Human Biology for Healthcare

Course count:1120

Elective Course ID:013221 - 4002 - Community Development

Course count:36

Elective Course ID:013222 - 4003 - Maths for Healthcare

Course count:54

Elective Course ID:013223 - 4004 - Bioscience 4

Course count:1176

Elective Course ID:013224 - 4005 - Psychology 4

Course count:36

Elective Course ID:013225 - 4006 - Applied Maths

Course count:54

Compulsory first Course array:4

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Elective first Course array:4

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Compulsory coursesElective courses
Level 4
Level 4
Courses Credits Aim
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 to prepare tauira for further academic study or employment in their chosen pathway.
Courses Credits Aim
Exploring Leadership(BECS4704) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces the concepts of leadership and Rangatira. This is done through exploring the place of self- leadership and the influence of others in our life. Models, theories, and concepts are studied, discussed, and applied through reflective and practical assessments.
Human Biology for Healthcare(BEHC4403) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces pathway-related concepts in human biology and healthcare as well as developing skills to prepare tauira for further study and/or employment in their chosen pathway.
Community Development(BPED4002) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course will provide project experience using social change in a community development context to prepare tauira for further academic study and/or employment in their chosen pathway.
Maths for Healthcare(BPED4003) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course is designed to extend tauira confidence and understanding of mathematical and statistical concepts and processes that are needed within a nursing or health context. They will use mathematical methods, to solve contextualised problems and communicate findings using appropriate mathematical language.
Bioscience 4(BPED4004) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course aims to develop a working knowledge of fundamental biological concepts, problems and communication skills needed for further academic study and/or employment.
Psychology 4(BPED4005) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces tauira to the dimensions of biopsychosocial health and wellbeing: physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual, and explores the external and internal factors influencing biopsychosocial health and wellbeing within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand society.
Applied Maths(BPED4006) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) This course introduces and develops pathway-related mathematical skills to prepare tauira for further study and/or employment in their chosen pathway.??
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Page last edited: 13 Oct 2025