School subject selection guide

It can be hard to choose which subjects to study at school but it helps if you think about what job you might want – then you’re prepared for any further study. This guide shows helpful subjects to prepare you for our study areas.

If you're unsure about your subject choice, always check with your teachers and career advisors or contact one of our friendly liaison advisors

 

Programme area Helpful subjects

A

Accounting

Accounting, Economics, Computing/Digital Technologies, English, Statistics, Business Studies, Mathematics

Apiculture

Agriculture and Horticulture, Science, Biology, English, Mathematics 

Arboriculture

Agriculture and Horticulture, Science, Biology, English, Mathematics 

Architectural Studies

Design, Graphics/Design and Visual Communication, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Digital Technologies, English, Mathematics, Media Studies, Painting, Photography, Physics, Printmaking, Science, Technology 

Art

Art, History of Art, Photography, Painting, Printmaking, Media Studies, Design, Metal Work, Woodwork, Computing/Digital Technologies, Graphics/Design and Visual Communication, Sculpture, Textiles

Automotive Engineering

Mathematics, English, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Science, Technology, Graphics/Design and Visual Communication 

Avalanche Risk Management and Snowsport Instruction^

Physical Education, Science, Health, Geography, Social Studies, English

B

Beauty Therapy 

Biology, Chemistry, English, Physical Education, Health, Science 

Bicycle Mechanics^

Mathematics, Physics, English, Physical Education

Brewing^

Chemistry, Mathematics

Business/Applied Management

Economics, Tourism, Media Studies, Computing/Digital Technologies, Accounting, Social Studies, English, Business Studies 

C

Carpentry

Mathematics, English, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Technology

Construction Management/Quantity Surveying

Mathematics, English, Physics, Science, Digital Technologies, Economics, Accounting, Statistics, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Technology 

Cookery Any subject is great, especially those that show that you have a proactive attitude and can work in a team

Culinary Arts 

English-rich subjects*, Mathematics, Food-related subjects, Graphics/Design and Visual Communication, Technology, Visual Art/Photography

D

Design (Communication, Fashion and Product)

Design, Art, Graphics/Design and Visual Communication, Photography, Painting, Printmaking, Media Studies, Technology, Computing/Digital Technologies, History of Art, Sculpture, Textiles 

Digital Media and Photography

Photography, Computing/Digital Technologies, Art, Graphics/Design and Visual Communication, Media Studies, Drama, Creative Writing 

E

Early Childhood Education

Biology, Te Reo, English, Health

Electrical and Mechanical Trades

Mathematics, English, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Science, Technology, Graphics/Design and Visual Communication

Engineering Technology (Civil, Mechanical and Electrical)

Mathematics, Calculus, Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Graphics/Design and Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, English, Science, Technology 

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering essential subject: Mathematics (Level 2)

Bachelor of Engineering Technology essential subject: Calculus and Physics (Level 3)

F

Farming^

Agriculture and Horticulture, Science, Economics, Mathematics

Hairdressing

English, Health, Science, Mathematics, Art

Horticulture

Agriculture and Horticulture, Science, Biology, English, Mathematics

Hospitality - Food and Beverage Service

Any subject is great, especially those that show that you have a proactive attitude and can work in a team

Hospitality Management

English-rich subjects*, Mathematics, Food related subjects, Business Studies

Human and Community Services

Te Reo, Social Studies, Health, History, English

I

Information Technology

Graphics/Design and Visual Communication, Computing/Digital Technologies, Physics, Statistics, Science, Mathematics, Calculus

L

Leadership for Change

Any subjects which you are passionate about are great, especially those that are in an area which is connected with a change you want to make (plus any community-based experiences which show you stepping up as a leader and making a difference). 

M

Massage Therapy

Biology, Chemistry, Physical Education, Social Studies, Health, Te Reo, English

Midwifery

Biology, Chemistry, English, Statistics, Health, Te Reo, Social Studies, History, Geography

Bachelor of Midwifery essential subjects: Biology/Chemistry and English/English-rich subjects (Level 3): Classical Studies, English, Geography, History, History of Art and Media Studies.

N 

Nursing

Biology, Chemistry, English, Physical Education, Health, Te Reo, Geography, History, Classics, History of Art, Media Studies, Religious Studies 

Bachelor of Nursing essential subjects: Biology/Chemistry and English/English-rich subject (Level 3): Classical Studies, English, Geography, History, History of Art, Media Studies, Religious Studies, Social Studies, Drama, Business studies, Economics and Health/PE where specific standards where written assessment is obvious.

O

Occupational Therapy

Biology, Physical Education, Social Studies, Health, Te Reo, Statistics, English

Outdoor Adventure^

Physical Education, Science, Health, Geography, Social Studies, English

P

Plumbing

Mathematics, English, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Science, Technology, Graphics/Design and Visual Communication

S

Sport, Exercise and Health

Physical Education, Science, Health, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography, Statistics, Social Studies, English

Sports Turf Management^

Science, Agriculture and Horticulture, Engineering, Mathematics, English, Computing, Mechanics (Youth Guarantee or Trades Academy), Gateway, Unit 1153 Sports Turf Machinery and Equipment (Level 3)

Stonemasonry^

Mathematics, English, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Technology 

T

Tourism

Tourism, Geography, Media Studies, Languages, English, Social Studies 

V

Veterinary Nursing/Animal Health

Science, Biology, Health, Computing, English, Mathematics

 

^Only offered in Central Otago.

Approved subjects for degree entrance

A: Accounting, Agriculture and Horticulture
B: Biology, Business Studies
C: Calculus, Chemistry, Chinese, Classical Studies, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Cook Islands Māori
D: Dance, Design, Design and Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, Drama
E: Earth and Space Science, Economics, Education for Sustainability, English
F: French
G: Geography, German
H: Health Education, History, History of Art, Home Economics
I: Indonesian
J: Japanese
K: Korean
L: Latin
M: Mathematics, Media Studies, Music Studies
P: Painting, Photography, Physical Education, Physics, Printmaking, Processing Technologies
R: Religious Studies
S: Samoan, Science, Sculpture, Spanish, Social Studies, Statistics
T: Technology, Te Reo Māori, Te Reo Rangatira, Tongan

Important note

For full entry criteria, including the required number of NCEA credits for each qualification, please check each programme information sheet.

Contact us

If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.