EDUCATION SYSTEM IN NEW ZEALAND
Types of Institution
Universities in New Zealand
University education was established in New Zealand in 1870 and has a similar tradition to the British university system. There are eight state-funded universities in New Zealand, all of them internationally respected for their academic and research performance. In addition to a centrally co-ordinated system of quality assurance audits at both institution and programme level, each university undertakes internal quality checks. All New Zealand universities offer a broad range of subjects in Arts, Commerce and Science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science. Computer Studies, Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Sports-Science, Biotechnology, Architecture etc. Bachelor’s, Masters and Doctoral degrees are offered by all New Zealand universities. A range of under graduate and postgraduate diplomas is also available, along with honors programmes (usually requiring an additional year of study).
Polytechnics in New Zealand
New Zealand Polytechnics, and Institutes of Technology, are state funded and provide education and training at all levels ranging from introductory studies through to full degree programmes. A few of them offer PG programmes as well. Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology are efficient tertiary providers offering programmes which can be both academically and vocationally focused. Due to their active engagement with industry, employers and government agencies they provide programmes which are of a high academic standard and are relevant to the rapidly changing workforce on a global basis. Polytechnics offer diverse courses like Arts and Design, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality etc.
Private Degree Providers
In 1989, amendments to the Education Act in New Zealand enabled the private tertiary sector to award degrees through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). The key to the legitimacy of the private degree providers is their relationship with the NZQA which has responsibility for course accreditation. The mission of the private degree providers is to provide a quality service to their students and a range of skills of value in the work environment.
Private Training Providers (PTEs)
Private training establishments are registered and their courses approved by NZQA. Institutions and schools in this sector provide a range of courses including English language, aviation flight training, air traffic control, english, business computing, dance, design and arts, religious studies, travel and tourism and training for the hospitality industry.
Undergraduate Study in New Zealand
At most New Zealand universities the course of study for a Bachelor’s degree consists of a prescribed number of units, papers or courses. In each subject there are usually first-year (stage I 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 I and a third-year course only after required passes in the subject at stage 2. In each subject the student is required to attend a given number of lectures, tutorials and/or laboratory periods per week. In some courses field trips provide opportunities for on-site study of natural phenomena or social processes. These learning contacts are supplemented by personal reading and research. Students are expected to develop independent study skills with a minimum of professional supervision. Grades given in tests, assignments and practical work count towards the final grade for a course. Most courses have a final written examination held either at mid-year (June) or the end of the academic year (October/November).
Post Graduate Study in New Zealand
The first degree a student is able to gain in New Zealand is as elsewhere, a Bachelors degree. With a completed Bachelor’s degree, a graduate may be able to go on to a Masters degree. These degrees may be awarded with Honours, an indication
both of the challenge the course presents and of the student’s achievement in it.
Postgraduate Diploma
A one-years full-time study, designed for graduates, which builds on the subject matter in the academic field of the previous degree.
Graduate Diploma
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.
Master’s Degree
The Master’s degree is open to those who have completed a Bachelors degree. The course of study is usually of one or two year’s 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 emphasis seminar presentation; and in provision of research experience for the candidate. A thesis is an account of a substantial piece of research. Many master’s degrees include a thesis component, and in some cases, particularly those which are taken after a four-year Bachelors (Honors) course, the degrees 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
New Zealand Doctoral Research scholarships are a significant educational opportunity. Doctorate programmes generally take at least 3 years of full time study to complete. It is a fully research based degree. PHD students pay domestic tuition fee which is a ‘benefit’ of fee difference from international fees to domestic fees’. Scholarships are also awarded to the students on the basis of academic merit and research ability by the university. The scholarships doctoral degree by research in New Zealand universities. The scholarship funding covers international tuition fee, a monthly living allowance, travel, health, insurance, books and thesis allowance.
