Postgraduate Courses

In New Zealand, postgraduate qualifications come under Level 8 in the government framework. Level 8 includes Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas and Bachelor’s Honours degrees where you must show an advanced understanding in your postgraduate coursework of choice.

Furthermore, there is the option to pursue Level 9, a Master’s degree and even Level 10 a Doctoral degree. These higher degrees are for those who genuinely want to conduct research programs and commit to a specialisation in their field of choice.

Postgraduate Certificates:

Designed to extend individuals theoretical and practical knowledge. It recognises continuing professional development from a Bachelors degree in the same area. Entry requirements include a Bachelors Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, however previous work experience in the appropriate field is also accepted. 

Postgraduate Diplomas:

Similarly to a Postgraduate Certificate, a Diploma is designed to expand upon previous knowledge but in a principal subject of the qualifying degree. It also prepares an individual for an independent research program if they choose to continue further study. This type of degree can be awarded a Distinction and has the same entry requirements as a Postgraduate Certificate.

Bachelor’s Honours Degrees:

This degree recognises distinguished study at Level 8; it may be undergone following a Bachelor degree or as a degree itself. The award of honours recognises three levels of achievement through first-class honours, second class honours and third-class honours. The entry requirement into this type of postgraduate research and study is determined by an above-average performance in the Bachelor degree.

Institutions in NZ offering Postgraduate Courses

In New Zealand alone, several educational institutions are offering postgraduate study from graduate certificates and graduate diplomas to Bachelor Honours degree to Masters and even Doctorates. Some of the best postgraduate degrees are from the following NZ educational institutions:

• University of Auckland
• NMIT (Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology)
• Eastern Institute of Technology
• Lincoln Univiery 
• University of Canterbury
• University of Otago

There are endless opportunities and study options in New Zealand for postgraduate study for both international students and locals. There is no age limit to being a postgraduate student, many people who enquire already had a successful career in the real world and are looking to specialise or some are straight off from a Level 7 qualification and are looking to study further.

Whether or not you’re looking for full-time or part-time, there are flexible study options in postgraduate programs for all.