General planning information for internal students

At Massey University we refer to programmes and courses. A programme is your overall qualification (for example, degree, diploma, certificate) whereas courses are the individual modules that you take to complete your chosen programme. For example, the "Bachelor of Business Studies" is a programme whereas "115.101 Statistics for Business" is a course that is part of the Bachelor of Business programme.

Each programme has its own structure which is explained in the programme pages in this section of the website. When you select your individual courses you need to ensure that you are on track to fulfil all of your programme requirements to be able to graduate.

This guide provides you with an overview of the things you need to take into consideration which include:

Step 1: Ensure you are aware of university requirements

Step 2: Research the programme requirements and create a study plan

Each programme has its own structure and requirements which are detailed on the programme pages of this section of the website. A study plan can help you map out your courses and help you identify:

  • How many credits you need to earn and how these credits need to be distributed. For example, most undergraduate degrees are made up of 360 credits, whereas certificates can range from 60-120 credits.
  • Any compulsory courses. These are courses that you must take in order to achieve your qualification.
  • The requirements of majors, endorsements or minors (if your programme has them). This may include the number of courses and specific courses that you need to include.
  • Courses that must be passed before other courses. These are known as prerequisites. In general internal students study 100-level courses in their first year of full-time study and then move on to 200-level courses in the following year. This is because a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level courses as prerequisites. The fourth number in a course number represents the level of the course. For example, for course 219.306 the fourth number is a 3, so it is a 300-level course.
  • Courses that must be taken at the same time as other courses, unless you have already passed them. These are known as corequisites courses.

For more information including what prerequisites like "Permission of Head of Department" mean see prerequisites, corequisites and restrictions.

Step 3: Review your study workload

For full-time students, the recommended maximum number of credits in Semester One and Semester Two is 60 credits per semester. So for first year (100-level) courses this means a maximum of four courses each semester. You can apply to study 75 credits per semester, but approval will depend on your past academic performance. For all students, the maximum number of credits for Summer School is 60.

Part-time students should enrol for fewer credits per semester. A 15 credit course typically requires 10 hours of study per week, so you need to make a realistic assessment of how many hours you have available for study when you plan your courses.

Step 4: Consider your options for recognition of prior learning

Massey University recognises prior learning achieved within both formal and informal settings. Credit may be awarded for:

  • completed tertiary qualifications,
  • incomplete tertiary qualifications, and
  • informal learning.

For more information see recognition of prior learning or contact us.

Step 5: Ensure you are aware of the costs

It is important to consider all the costs involved in the study process. See the Fees web pages for more information.

Step 6: Ask one of our advisers for assistance

We would like to help you make the right decisions when choosing and planning your study with us. We have people who can give you study advice to create an individual pathway for your programme.

Step 7: Check out the due dates for adding courses, semester dates and exam periods

Make sure you know the due dates for adding courses so you don't miss out. You should also check out the semester dates and examination periods.

Page authorised by Director, Student Administration
Last updated on Thursday 28 November 2019