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

If you’re aspiring to study nursing or laboratory and health sciences at the tertiary level, but don’t have the entry requirements, this programme will help prepare you and start you off in the right direction towards your desired area of study.

Learners will sharpen study techniques, written and oral communication skills, and enquiry techniques for their chosen pathway. Mathematical skills relevant to health and science are covered, as well as background theory and practice in biology, microbiology, and chemistry.

This programme will also suit learners who are returning to study and wish to revise their science and health knowledge before embarking on nursing studies.

The Programme Pathway

Please note that UCOL does not currently provide the Bachelor of Social Services, NZ Diploma in Enrolled Nursing, or the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Wellness). 

Successful completion of this programme enables graduates to be considered for entry to the Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing. Entry requirements, such as English language requirements, for the Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing still apply.

This programme runs for 19 weeks each year, including 2 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

15-18 hrs

18 hours of lecturer-supported learning in class.

Study Time

20-25 hrs

Study in your own time.

You can also choose to study part-time, or possibly by course. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

This programme comprises 60 credits, made up from the below four courses.

The UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Health Science Field) covers a variety of courses that will equip you with academic skills for higher-level study in nursing and laboratory science, including:

Career Planning and Academic Study Skills (Level 4) (15 credits)

This course enables you to develop and apply a range of academic skills in preparation for further study and employment.

Mathematics for Health Science (Level 3) (15 credits)

This course enables you to acquire context-relevant numeracy skills needed for future study and employment.

Human Body and Health (Level 4) (15 credits)

This course introduces you to the structure and functioning of the human body in a health context.

Chemistry and Cell Biology (Level 4) (15 credits)

This course enables you to apply key chemistry and cell biology concepts to a health science context.

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Health Science Field) supersedes and takes the best from the following programmes of study, which are no longer offered:

• New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Nursing Pathway)

• Certificate in Science and Health

This programme is taught using class, laboratory, PC-classes and online (blended) delivery. Learners who are unable to access online material will be able to use UCOL based facilities.

Whanganui and Wairarapa have classroom spaces that are flexible and able to accommodate all types of learning including a science lab, online and blended delivery.

NCEA Level 2

OR

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (Health Field)

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency

International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Subsequent programmes may have higher (or different) English Language proficiency requirements. Completion of this programme does not contribute to meeting these requirements.

Under 20 years of age

In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Successful completion of this programme enables graduates to be considered for entry to multiple higher-level programmes, including UCOL's Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing, Laboratory Science and Veterinary Nursing. Specific entry requirements for these programmes still apply.

Those learners who do not meet the entry requirements for this Level 4 programme may wish to do the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 3) (Health Science Field).

If you are not sure of which course to begin your pathway to nursing, contact us.

By successfully completing this programme, you show yourself and other stakeholders that you have the skills and capabilities to commence studies at a higher academic level.

Timetable

Your timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of approximately:

• 18 hours of class time

• 25 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent on research and study to complete your written assignments)

Blended learning

This programme is offered on a blended delivery approach, a unique combination of online and face-to-face learning. Learners are welcome to use the UCOL facilities (computers, Internet) to access online learning. However, we encourage learners to have their device such as laptop/PC or tablet to be able to access any online components of this programme from home.

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Please note that there are additional costs associated with this programme:

• Protective labcoats will be supplied by UCOL, however you will be required to wear covered shoes (eg sneakers) in the laboratory classes $150

Stationery

• Scientific calculator - approximately $35

• Course workbooks are used to lessen the need for textbooks, and you may be required to pay for the printing of each copy $50

• Stationery - you should provide your own pens, pencils, ruler, paper etc $50

Technology

• It's advisable that learners have headphones (microphone included) to use with their devices - approximately $30