Changes to the 'approved subjects' list for university entrance
12 June, 2006
The Qualifications Authority is extending the 'approved subjects' list for university entrance, following consultation with universities and the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee.
Changes include:
- the addition of Health Education, Technology and Dance to the list
- a modification to the current 'approved subject' Music Studies to include practical music unit and achievement standards
- a minor modification to the current 'approved subject' Computing to include two additional unit standards.
The new areas of study have been added following approaches from within the education sector and because they meet the criteria for inclusion.
Health Education, Technology and Dance are supported by the current New Zealand secondary school curriculum.
The decision on Dance will bring this area of study into line with other areas of study covered by the arts curriculum - Drama, Music and Visual Arts.
Decisions were made after a formal consultation process, including review by a panel that included representatives of the universities and secondary schools. The changes have been endorsed by the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee.
The amended 'approved subjects' list will apply for entry to university from 1 June 2007.
To allow for a transition period, so as not to disadvantage current students, the existing version of the 'approved subjects' list will remain valid until the end of 2007.
The current common entrance standard
The common standard is designed to give an indication that a student is likely to succeed at degree level at university. It has broad requirements, and the changes above represent a small but important extension to the options available to students.
To achieve the university entrance award, candidates must have a minimum of 42 credits at level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework. This must include a minimum of 14 credits at level 3 or higher in each of two areas of study from an 'approved subject' list, with a further 14 credits at level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework or approved subjects.
To be an 'approved subject', achievement in the particular area of study must indicate that a student has skills and knowledge that would:
- contribute substantially to his or her general ability to undertake a programme of study at a university, and/or
- provide a foundation for study in a particular subject or discipline at a university.
Candidates must also satisfy the requirement of achieving eight credits in literacy at level 2 or higher - four in reading and four in writing - and 14 credits in mathematics at level one or higher.
NOTE: Read details of the changes
For more information contact:
Karen Fisher
Acting Senior Media Adviser,
04 463 4240
0274 57 57 83
Page updated: 12 June 2006