Purpose
A Bachelor's Degree provides individuals with a systematic and coherent introduction to a body of knowledge of a recognised major subject (or subjects, in the case of a double degree or a double major) as well as to problem-solving and associated basic techniques of self-directed work and learning.
A Bachelor's Degree involves at least one sequential study programme in which content is progressively developed such that it might form a basis for postgraduate study and/or professional practice.
Bachelor's Degrees are taught mainly by people engaged in research as stated in the Education Act:
Section 454, 3a of the Education Act 2020 (external link)
Entry
A programme of study leading to a Bachelor's Degree builds on prior study, work or experience, and is open to those who have met the specified entrance requirements, normally at level 3 on the NZQF.
Outcomes
A graduate of a Bachelor's Degree is able to:
- demonstrate intellectual independence, critical thinking and analytic rigour
- engage in self-directed learning
- demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the ideas, principles, concepts, chief research methods and problem-solving techniques of a recognised major subject
- demonstrate the skills needed to acquire, understand and assess information from a range of sources
- demonstrate communication and collaborative skills.
Credit requirements
A Bachelor's Degree requires a minimum of 360 credits from levels 5 to 7. Some Bachelor's Degrees, notably in professional fields such as engineering, the health sciences and law, encompass additional credits and may require a longer period of study. For example, an eight-semester (four-year) degree would normally be equivalent to 480 credits.
Of the credits required for a Bachelor's Degree, a minimum of 72 credits must be at level 7 or higher. The degree should specify a spread of credit across levels, so that the qualification demonstrates progression, reflects the requirements of the degree definition and achieves the associated learning outcomes in a way that is appropriate to the subject area.
Relationship with other qualifications
A person who holds a Bachelor's Degree might be eligible to enrol in a Postgraduate qualification.