The Pathway Te Huarahi programme offers fast-track qualifications designed to help students who only just miss New Zealand university entrance requirements transition into university study through a focused and highly supported environment.
Secondary school students who missed out on University Entrance (UE) do not have to miss out on experiencing the University of Otago.
Students who are a few NCEA Level 3 credits short of the qualification can apply for a Level 5 Diploma in Arts, Commerce or Science through Otago’s Pathway Te Huarahi programme.
The DipCom and DipArts were introduced last year, while the DipSci is new in 2024. The diplomas are taught over two semesters, in line with the academic year.
At the end of the year, students can transfer their credits to their chosen degree and take second year papers the following year, which allows them to still complete their degree in three years.
Obey Samate (24) was part of the first cohort of students to complete the DipArts last year.
He enjoyed learning in a smaller classroom – he was one of six students – as it allowed him to have more one-on-one time with the lecturer and created better class discussions.
“It was really, really enjoyable,” he says.
“The teachers were really approachable.”
Obey has since left Dunedin to pursue rugby in New Plymouth, however he is glad he completed the diploma as it will allow him to pick up his studies again in the future.
He encourages people thinking of applying for the course to “definitely take it”, as it helps to prepare students for further university study.
Head of Programme, Level 5 Diplomas Nicola Cummins say it is a “really well-supported first year of university study for people who have come pretty close to getting UE and being able to enrol”.
“It’s also a really appropriate programme for people who have UE but think that they want to have a little more guidance and support as they are starting out their undergraduate degree.”
The diplomas combine NZQF Level 5 courses taught at Pathway Te Huarahi with first-year bachelor level courses from either Arts, Commerce or Science. Students learn in smaller classes and are given extra academic and personal support throughout the year.
Pathway Director Garry Chronican says it is a suitable option for students who did well during the school year but did not achieve UE because of other factors in their lives.
“It’s based on some very sound research overseas that talks about corequisite learning; they’re learning the skills to study at the same time they’re learning the content,” Mr Chronican says.
The diploma is equivalent to a first year of undergraduate study in every way and prepares students for a successful second year of study, he says. The papers also incorporate mātauranga Māori and Pacific perspectives.
While there are clear guidelines for entry – students must be within a few credits of achieving University Entrance – there is some flexibility.
Ms Cummins says the diplomas give equal access to higher education to all students.
It also gives them another option if their exams do not go to plan.
“The great thing is it lets students who have already got a scholarship, a place in a college at Otago to just continue with their lives and not have all their plans derailed by missing out on a few credits at Level 3.”
Find out more here. To apply, contact pathways.admissions@otago.ac.nz.