Tertiary & Work Pathways
Build the skills and academic evidence to pursue a tertiary qualification. You might already know what you want to do, explore the different options available to you.
Many of our programmes require a specific academic aptitude to qualify. This is for us to ensure that you have the skills and ability to complete your programme of study and graduate. We want to set you up for success, not failure. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a qualification, we likely have a pathway option suitable for you.
Our study and career preparation courses (also known as bridging programmes) prepare you with the basic foundational skills to achieve academically or find work in a specific industry.
Pathway qualifications
Health, Health & Wellbeing
Don’t have the academic requirements you need to enter one of our diploma- or degree-level healthcare programmes? No problem. By studying courses such as Function of the Human Body and an Introduction to Careers in Health, you will be well-prepared to apply for your chosen diploma or degree. This programme is made up of two qualifications - the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) with a health context and the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) with a health context.
Duration
1 Year
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
Location
Online, Dunedin
Health, Health & Wellbeing
This Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the entry requirements for our diploma- or degree-level health programmes. To enter directly into Level 4, you need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (our Level 3 Health Bridging certificate), or equivalent. If you don't hold that qualification, you'll need to do the Level 3 and Level 4 programme which starts in February.
Duration
17 Weeks
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
Location
Online, Dunedin
Study Prep & Pathways
Start here if you want to improve your study skills and prepare for higher-level learning or employment.
Duration
17 Weeks
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Entry-level roles, Further tertiary study
Hair & Beauty, Study Prep & Pathways
A perfect start if you don’t meet the entry requirements to study our level 4 beauty therapy programme. You will gain the practical and foundational skills to meet the academic requirements.
Duration
17 Weeks
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Further tertiary study
Engineering, Study Prep & Pathways
Start here to prepare for diploma-level study in engineering. Successful completion will ensure you meet the academic entry requirements for our New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical or Electrical).
Duration
17 Weeks
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Further tertiary study
Business, Study Prep & Pathways
It is a great way to get started for tertiary study in business, tourism or applied management. This is suitable for you if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our tertiary programmes.
Duration
17 Weeks
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Further tertiary study
Adventure & Tourism, Study Prep & Pathways
This hands-on certificate will give you a great understanding of the tourism and travel industry. At the same time, it's open entry (which means you don't need any previous academic qualifications) and provides a great taster of what studying at a Polytechnic is all about, preparing you for further diploma- or degree-level study.
Duration
17 Weeks
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Customer Service Representative, Frontline Staff, Further tertiary study , Sales Representative
Other pathways to tertiary qualifications
We have level 4 qualifications that help you transition into more advanced courses in Art & Design, Digital Media, Fashion or Information Technology. Or go straight into an entry-level job.
Need some advice
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.
