Careers & Tertiary
The following represents only a selection of possible careers and the requirements listed here are minimum ones. Tertiary Institutions will offer slightly different courses and entry requirements may differ. Students should check any additional requirements for courses they intend to enrol in, as some courses (e.g. limited entry University courses) require more than the minimum requirements.
For further information, see Mrs Gardiner and/or use the range of resources in the Careers Department, including the www.careers.govt.nz website.
A selection of possible careers and the requirements.
CAREER |
BACKGROUND REQUIRED |
|
Accountancy - Degree |
Entry to University. A background in Mathematics with Statistics is advantageous. |
|
Agricultural Science |
Entry to University. Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry are required at some Universities. |
|
Agriculture - Degree |
Entry to University. Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry are recommended. |
|
Agriculture – Diploma Lincoln University
|
NCEA Level 2, a minimum of 40 credits over four approved subjects, plus the literacy and numeracy requirements for undergraduate entry. A maximum of 24 credits in any one subject will be counted towards the total. Students are recommended to check requirements on the Lincoln University website as they are subject to change. |
|
Applied Science (Laboratory Technology) – Degree (ARA) |
Entry to University. Entry for this degree programme may require specific subjects. |
|
Applied Science (Physical Activity, Health and Wellness or Sport and Exercise Science) – Degree (ARA) |
Entry to University. Entry for this degree programme may require specific subjects. |
|
Architectural Studies |
Entry to University. You must also have met the Guaranteed Entry Score requirements. These requirements are subject to change and are published each year on the Victoria and Auckland Uni (has more specific entry criteria) website. Useful background subjects are Mathematics with Calculus, Statistics and modelling, Physics, English, Technology, Art, Design and Graphics. If you do not have the required level of achievement of 14 NCEA Level 3 credits in Mathematics and/or Physics, you will need to include a Mathematics or Physics course in your first year programme. |
|
Architecture - Landscape Degree |
Entry to University. English, Geography, Biology, History, Design and Horticulture are relevant school subjects. |
|
Architectural Studies – Degree (ARA) |
Entry to University and portfolio. |
|
Architectural Technology – National Diploma (ARA) |
36 credits in NCEA Level 2, 12 credits in English Level 1 and 12 credits in Mathematics Level 1 (or Pāngarau). |
|
Armed Services |
A wide range of careers is available with differing entry requirements. |
|
Art - Fine Arts - Degree |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 in two Practical Art subjects and at least 14 credits in each of two other NCEA Level 3 subjects. A portfolio of work may be required. Limited entry. |
|
Baking Certificate in Career Baking (ARA) |
36 NCEA credits at Level 1 including 12 credits in English and 12 credits in Maths. |
|
Beauty Therapy Certificate (ARA) |
80 credits at Level 1, including 10 literacy & 10 numeracy credits. |
|
Biomedical Sciences – Degree |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics highly recommended. |
|
Broadcasting Communications Degree |
Entry to University |
|
Business Administration – Degree |
Entry to University |
|
Business – Diploma (ARA) |
50 credits NCEA Level 2 or above with at least 12 credits in each of three subjects including 8 Literacy credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori (4 credits must be in Reading and 4 in Writing), 14 credits at NCEA Level 1 Mathematics (or Pāngarau). |
Careers with Children – Early Childhood |
University entrance is required for many Early Childhood Education courses. However, students can study to be a Nanny as a gateway to ECE qualifications. Requirements for Nanny course are dependent on chosen Tertiary provider |
|
Carpentry- Certificate - ARA |
Open Entry. |
|
Computer Technician – Certificate (ARA) |
Minimum of 60 credits in NCEA Level 1, including 12 credits in NCEA Level 1 English |
|
Computer Science – Degree |
Entry to University. A mathematical background is important for students who intend to advance beyond first year. |
|
Cookery for the Hospitality Industry Certificate |
Open Entry. |
|
National Diploma in Hospitality Management (ARA) |
12 credits in NCEA English Level 1 and 36 credits in NCEA Level 2. (across four subjects) |
|
Dental Technology – Degree |
Entry to University. Students should have at least 14 NCEA Level 3 credits in Chemistry and at least 14 NCEA Level 2 credits in Physics and Biology. |
Dentistry – Degree |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics and Physics are recommended. Competitive entry to second year. |
|
Design – Bachelor Degree (ARA)
|
Entry to University and additional portfolio requirements relevant to chosen field of specialisation. |
|
Digital Video Post Production |
A portfolio demonstrating existing skills and/or potential in either film making, computer graphics, multimedia, graphic design, animation, audio-engineering, photography, visual arts. 12 credits in NCEA English Level 1 and 36 credits NCEA Level 2. |
|
Economics – Degree |
Entry to University. Mathematics with Calculus and Mathematics with Statistics to NCEA Level 3 strongly advised for students who want to major in Economics. |
|
Education – Degree |
Entry to University. |
|
Electrical Engineering Pre-Trade Certificate |
Open Entry. |
|
Engineering – Certificate (Fabrication) |
Open Entry. |
|
Engineering – Certificate (Welding and Structural Steel) |
Open Entry. |
|
Engineering - Degree
|
Entry to University. It is recommended that students intending to study Engineering at the University of Canterbury should aim to achieve 18 credits in Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus, 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Physics and 9 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry. |
|
Engineering (ARA) - Diploma |
48 NCEA credits at Level 2 in 4 subjects including at least 12 credits in Mathematics, 8 credits in NCEA Level 1 English (4 Reading and 4 Writing). |
|
Engineering Technology– (Electrical, Civil or Mechanical) |
Entry to University. |
|
Fashion Technology & Design (ARA) |
36 NCEA credits at Level 1 including 12 credits in English and 12 credits in Mathematics. Successful completion of the Certificate in Fashion Technology and Design – Level 4. |
|
Food Science – Degree |
Entry to University. English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are recommended. |
|
Forestry – Degree |
Entry to University. Students should have a background in Statistics, Biology, Chemistry and English. |
|
Hospitality Management – Degree - National Diploma |
Entry to University. 36 NCEA credits in Level 2 across four subjects and 12 credits of English in NCEA Level 1. |
|
Human Nutrition – Degree |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (with Statistics) and English are highly recommended. |
|
Information & Communication Technologies – Degree |
Entry to University |
|
Information and Communications – Certificate (ARA) |
36 NCEA credits in Level 1 (including 12 credits in English and Maths). |
Interior Design (Residential) – Diploma (ARA) |
36 NCEA Level 2 credits. 12 credits in NCEA English Level 1. 12 credits in Mathematics (or Pāngarau) in NCEA Level 1. |
|
Language – Degree (ARA) Japanese |
Entry to University including 14 credits at Level 3 Japanese |
|
Languages – Degree |
Entry to University. |
|
Law – Degree |
Entry to University. Highly competitive in second year. Good reading, writing and analytical skills. |
|
Management Science – Degree |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 Mathematics (Calculus and Statistics), concurrent study in Economics, Accounting and Computing highly desirable. |
|
Māori – (ARA)
Te Ata Hōu (Certificate) Te Atatū (Diploma)
Te Hāpara (Diploma)
Bachelor of Maori Language and Indigenous Studies (Te Ohoka) |
12 credits in NCEA English Level 1. 36 NCEA credits in Level 2 and 12 credits in NCEA Level 1 English and 12 credits in NCEA Level 2 (12 credits in NCEA Te Reo Level 1). 36 credits in NCEA Level 2 over three subjects plus 12 credits in NCEA Level 1 in Te Reo Māori
University Entrance, additional requirements may apply. |
|
Medical Imaging – Degree (ARA) |
Entry to University, including 14 credits at Level 3 in English or an approved literacy* subject, science or mathematics (preferably physics or mathematics) and one other subject from the list of approved subjects (preference given to physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics). |
|
Medical Radiation Therapy -Degree (University of Otago in Wellington |
Entry to University. Priority selection to students with NCEA Level 3 English, either NCEA Level 3 Statistics or Calculus, and Level 3 Physics or Biology. (Minimum 16 credits each) |
|
Medicine – Degree |
Entry to University. Otago Uni - NCEA Level 3 Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and English recommended. Very competitive entry to second year. Auckland Uni - competitive first year. Rank score 250 and minimum of 18 credits in a literacy rich and science/maths subjects. (listed on table A and B) |
|
Motor Industry – Certificate (Entry Skills) |
Open Entry. |
|
Music – Degree |
Entry to University. Students intending to major in music should aim for a competent level of music reading, a knowledge of rudiments, and an understanding of harmony. Aural training and keyboard skills are very desirable. Audition may be required. |
|
Nursing - Degree
- Enrolled Diploma (ARA) |
Entry to University, entry for this degree programme requires specific subjects. Biology or Chemistry and an English-rich subject. NCEA Level 2 which must include 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics. |
|
Occupational Therapy – Degree |
Entry to University. |
|
Optometry – Degree |
Entry to University. Biology, Chemistry and Physics recommended. Entry to second year competitive. |
|
Oral Health – Degree
(Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy) |
Entry to University. To be admitted to the programme applicants should have attained a satisfactory standard in NCEA Level 3 Biology. Entry competitive. Entry to University and 14 credits in two Level 3 NCEA approved subjects from Science, Maths or Technology
|
|
Outdoor Recreation Degree (ARA) Diploma |
Entry to University 36 NCEA credits in Level 2 and 12 credits in NCEA Level 1 English. |
|
Performing Arts Musical Arts – Degree Performing Arts Degree |
Entry to University and subject to audition Entry to University and subject to audition |
|
Pharmacy – Degree |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics and Physics recommended. Competitive entry to second year. |
|
|
|
|
Physical Education – Degree (Otago) |
Year 13 applicants should have studied 5 NCEA Level 3 approved subjects. The exercise and sports science major requires a first year statistics paper. Biology and Physical Education are highly recommended. |
|
Physiotherapy – Degree |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics and Physics recommended. Very competitive entry to second year. |
|
Plaster Board - Certificate |
Open Entry. |
|
Pre- Health and Science NZ Certificate in Study & Career Preparation (Pre Health Pathway ARA) |
40 credits NCEA Level 2, including 10 Level 1 Literacy credits and 10 Level 1 Mathematics.
|
|
Pre-Trade Painting & Decorating |
Open Entry. |
|
Pre-Trade Plumbing - Certificate |
Open Entry. |
|
Psychology |
Entry to University. |
|
Science - Degree |
Entry to University. Mathematics and Sciences desirable. |
|
Social Work - Degree |
Entry to University. |
|
Speech & Language Therapy – Degree |
Entry to University. Very competitive entry to second year. |
|
Sport Coaching – Degree |
Entry to University. |
|
Surveying – Degree |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 English, Geography, Mathematics (Calculus and/or Statistics) and Physics, Computing and Graphics recommended. Admission to second year is competitive. |
|
Surveying Quantity – Diploma - ARA
- SIT |
Minimum of 50 NCEA credits Level 2 including 12 credits in Mathematics (excluding statistics) and a minimum of 12 Literacy credits at L1. Minimum of 36 credits at Level 2, 4 credits at Level 2 reading, 4 credits at Level 2 writing and 14 at Level 1 or above Mathematics. |
|
Teaching – Early Childhood, Primary |
Entry to University. Five years secondary schooling preferred. |
|
Teaching – Physical Education |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 Physical Education, Biology and English recommended. |
|
Teaching – Secondary |
University degree. |
|
Tourism -Degree - Certificate in Travel Operations |
Entry to University. 36 NCEA credits at Level 1 including 12 credits in English. |
|
Veterinary – Degree |
Entry to University. NCEA Level 3 Chemistry, Mathematics, preferably Statistics, Physics and Biology the ideal background. Good English skills. Very competitive. Before selection into the second semester applicants must produce a letter on the clinic letterhead signed by a vet that they have had at least 10 days of veterinary work experience in the preceding two years. |
|
Veterinary Nursing – (ARA 2 years) |
60 NCEA credits at Level 2, minimum 12 English at Level 2 and minimum 12 Maths at Level 1 and minimum 12 credits relevant Science Level 1 for one year. NZ certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) with Veterinary Nursing Assistant Strand. Will lead to Year Two NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6). |
Tertiary website details that maybe of interest:
| ARA Institute of Canterbury (previously CPIT) | www.ara.ac.nz |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | www.aut.ac.nz |
| Avonmore Tertiary Institute | www.avonmore.ac.nz |
| Canterbury Tertiary College (CTC) | www.ctc.org.nz |
| Careers New Zealand | www.careers.govt.nz |
| Lincoln University | www.lincoln.ac.nz |
| Massey University | www.massey.ac.nz |
| National Trade Academy (NTA) | www.nta.co.nz |
| Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) | www.sit.ac.nz |
| Telford (A Division of Lincoln University) | www.telford.ac.nz |
| The University of Auckland | www.auckland.ac.nz |
| University of Canterbury | www.canterbury.ac.nz |
| University Otago | www.otago.ac.nz |
| Victoria University of Wellington | www.victoria.ac.nz |
In Year 9 students start the first year of their two year junior programme. Year 9 consists of two semesters (half year-long) with a combination of compulsory courses and option courses chosen by the students.
In Year 9 students will take 12 semester (half-year) courses that include:
a) Compulsory Courses - 2 semesters of Health & PE, Mathematics, Science, and one Semester of English and Social Studies. (the reverse happens in Year 10, the second year of the junior programme).
b) Option Courses - Four semesters of option courses (note: students choose 5 option courses in Year 10, the second year of the junior programme).
Year 10 students study five compulsory courses (English, Mathematics, Health & Physical Education, Science and Social Sciences) and six semester (half year) options (see individual course details). You can choose to do one semester course from a subject area eg: Drama - Part 1 or take two semester courses from a subject area, which is equivalent to a whole year course eg: Drama Part - 1 and Drama - Part 2. Pathways for all course at all levels are summarised on the Course Planning Chart.
A few Year 10 semester two courses require you to complete semester one first, before doing semester two.
Students won't be gaining Level 1 NCEA in Year 11. There will be up to one internal NCEA assessment per semester course, giving students the opportunity to gain approximately 45 credits but not the 80 needed for Level 1 NCEA. Some assessments maybe at Level 2 NCEA. These internal assessments will expose students to the way different subject areas assess NCEA in preparation for Year 12 and the completion of Level 2 NCEA.
Year 12 students study six year-long courses (see individual course details and Course Planning Chart). There are no compulsory courses, however, English and Mathematics are strongly recommended.
Students have the option of studying five courses. In such cases, students will be placed in the Independent Learning Project (ILP001) course, in addition to their five courses, so that they can be mentored and have their progress monitored.
Year 13 students study five year-long courses (see individual course details and Course Planning Chart) and have an Independent Study (IST). A sixth course can be selected in place of IST. Students have the option of studying four courses. In such cases, students will be placed in the Independent Learning Project (ILP001) course, in addition to their four courses, so that they can be mentored and have their progress monitored.
For students that are intending to gain University Entrance it is strongly recommended that they select at least four University Entrance approved courses. Refer to individual course details to check if a course is a University Entrance approved subject
Year 13 (IST) is independent, unsupervised learning that can take place at school or at home. Students are responsible for managing their work during this time.