Foundation Studies at University of Waikato

Foundation Studies is a pre-degree programme designed to provide students with the subject content, skills, and personal attributes which will enable them to proceed to any undergraduate degree in this or any other English-speaking university. A successful graduate of Foundation Studies will achieve the Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies, which is a university entrance qualification recognized by all New Zealand universities and which is widely accepted by Australian universities.

The papers offered by the University of Waikato Foundation Studies towards the Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies include a variety of papers designed to prepare students to enter degree studies with the same level of subject knowledge and subject related skills as their New Zealand counterparts. Students complete five papers in subjects of their choice and three compulsory English papers.

The subject content taught includes subject knowledge as well as subject-specific vocabulary and skills. The different subjects offered in the Foundation Studies programme are:

• Calculus
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Accounting
• General Science
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Introduction to Social Sciences
• Comparative Cultures
• English for Specific Purposes
• English 1 and 2 (compulsory)
• Language and Learning (compulsory)

Good grades in an appropriate combination of these papers will allow entry into any degree programme at this university. Students from Foundation Studies have graduated with degrees from many different departments within the university, e.g. Management, Science and Engineering, Arts and Social Science, Mathematics and Computing, and Law.

The skills taught include:

• essay and report writing techniques
• research and library skills
• seminar presentation techniques
• computer skills
• group work

In the course of completing their Foundation Studies programme, students have the opportunity to develop good personal attributes that can help them in their degree study. Some of these attributes are:

• the confidence to succeed in an English language university
• the ability to cope with the range of teaching and learning styles that they will find in different papers taught at the university
• the ability to work independently
• responsibility for their own learning

Classes are small, which enables students to have excellent interaction and communication with their teachers. If students need extra help, this can easily be arranged. Foundation Studies teachers have experience in teaching students whose first language is not English, and each subject is taught by a specialist in that area.

Admission to Degree Programmes

To gain a university entrance qualification, you must successfully complete the Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies by passing all eight papers. This university entrance qualification is recognised by all New Zealand universities and is widely accepted by Australian universities.

You must also meet the minimum English language requirement for undergraduate study. Students who gain a B grade in the University of Waikato English for Foundation Studies will be considered to have met this requirement for admission to most Bachelor degrees.

Admission to a degree at a university other than the University of Waikato will depend on their particular admission standards or criteria. Students should contact the International Office of the relevant university for information about their particular admission criteria.

Admission is guaranteed to University of Waikato bachelor degrees provided that you gain the following grades:
*Students who achieve a B grade or higher in English for Foundation Studies will not be required to provide IELTS results.

• Bachelor of Arts: At least a C grade in each paper and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band*.
• Bachelor of Business Analysis: An overall B grade average including at least a B grade in Calculus for Foundation Studies or Statistics for Foundation Studies, and at least a C grade in every other paper.*
• Bachelor of Communication Studies: An overall B grade average, with no less than a C grade in any paper, and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall and no less than 6.0 in every band*.
• Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences: An overall B grade average including a B grade in Calculus for Foundation Studies or Statistics for Foundation Studies, and at least a C grade in every other paper; and an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band.*
• Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design: Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Students will need at least a C grade in each paper and must also provide a portfolio as specified by the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.*
• Bachelor of Electronic Commerce: An overall B grade average including a B grade in Calculus for Foundation Studies or Statistics for Foundation Studies, and at least a C grade in every other paper; and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall and no less than 6.0 in every band*.
• Bachelor of Engineering: An overall B grade average, including a B grade in Bridging Physics and Bridging Calculus, and at least a C grade in every other paper. If you intend to major in Materials and Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Chemical and Biological Engineering will additionally need to achieve a B grade in Bridging Chemistry. In addition, students will need an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band*.
• Bachelor of Laws: Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will need to have achieved exceptional grades for the Certificate of Attainment in Foundation Studies, as well as an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band.*
• Bachelor of Management Studies: An overall B grade average including at least a B grade in Calculus for Foundation Studies or Statistics for Foundation Studies, and at least a C grade in every other paper; and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall and no less than 6.0 in every band*.
• Bachelor of Mäori and Pacific Development: At least a C grade in each paper and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band*.
• Bachelor of Music: At least a C grade in each paper. In addition, students will need a grade 5 theory pass or better in the Australian Music Education Board, Trinity College or Royal College of Music examinations or a music qualification assessed as equivalent. Entry to the Performance programme requires successful completion of an audition. Auditions are held in the second semester (July semester) and audition appointments are made through the University of Waikato Department of Music. Students will also need to achieve an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band*.
• Bachelor of Science: At least a C grade in each paper, including a C grade in each of two Science papers; and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band*.
• Bachelor of Science (majoring in Computing or Mathematics): An overall B grade average including a B grade in Calculus for Foundation Studies or Statistics for Foundation Studies and at least a C grade in every other paper; and an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band.*
• Bachelor of Science (Technology): At least a C grade in each paper, including a C grade in each of two Science papers; and an IELTS score of at least 6.0, including 6.0 in the writing band*.
• Bachelor of Social Sciences: At least a C grade in each paper and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band*.
• Bachelor of Teaching: Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must gain at least a C grade in each of the eight papers. All applicants for professional teacher education programmes are required to attend a selection interview. Applicants must also complete the Bachelor of Teaching application form.*
• Bachelor of Sport and Leisure Studies: At least a C grade in each paper and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall, including 6.0 in the writing band*.
• Bachelor of Tourism: A minimum overall B grade average with no less than a C grade in each paper; and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall and no less than 6.0 in every band*.

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