Introduction
Welcome to the University of Auckland. This Calendar is the official publication of the University and includes academic statutes and regulations governing admission, enrolment, fees and examinations. The Calendar sets out requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates and lists the approved courses offered by the University. It also provides key information about the University and its staff.
The academic year
The academic year at the University of Auckland is divided into two semesters. Each semester covers a period of about 15 weeks comprising approximately 12 teaching weeks followed by three weeks for study and examination. The first semester usually starts at the beginning of March and the second semester in mid-July. Each semester has a mid-semester break which lasts for one to two weeks. During the three weeks after lectures conclude, there is a period of study followed by the examinations for courses studied during that semester. There is a three-week inter-semester break during which results will be published and any further admissions and enrolments processed. A small number of specialist courses may be taught during the inter-semester break. A Summer School operates for six weeks from the beginning of January. A limited number of courses are offered during Summer School. Some programmes are offered in quarters rather than semesters, comprising approximately 10 teaching weeks followed by one week for study and examinations. Additionally, a range of masters programmes are available for commencement in November, including fully-online options offered as part of the University of Auckland Online initiative.
The Points System
The value allocated to each course is standardised and is given as a number of points, based on the notional hours of learning required for the course. A full-time programme will usually require the completion of eight 15-point courses a year. Most taught courses are offered in values of 15 and 30 points. For instance, the programme for many bachelors degrees requires the completion of a total of 360 points. The points value for diplomas and certificates varies according to the discipline and content. Full details are listed in the regulations.
Planning a programme
Assistance with programme planning for current students is available online through the My Programme Requirements report. This report outlines the academic requirements for a programme of study and provides an individualised report comparing a student’s progress towards completion against the requirements. It indicates where requirements have been met, which requirements have yet to be completed and the points required. Students are able to enrol directly from the report into courses available for the programme.
Students can also enrol into classes via Timetable Planner. This tool allows students to view potential timetable options, as well as adding preferences such as work or study gaps.
Students planning a programme can also consult faculty and departmental handbooks and seek advice about programmes and course options through the University website or one of our Student Hubs. Intending students may also phone 0800 61 62 63 or visit www.auckland.ac.nz for general advice and information. This Calendar contains the regulations and requirements for each faculty’s degrees, diplomas and certificates. It is important that students read the regulations for the programme they plan to take and ensure that they complete the prerequisites required for subsequent study. The details for each course are listed by faculty and in alphanumeric order in the Course Prescriptions. In addition, there is a range of Interfaculty and Conjoint degrees which are administered and supervised across the faculties.
Admission and enrolment
The University of Auckland has an online system for admission and enrolment. All new students, and those intending
to change their programme, should complete the online application for Admission.
Students without internet access can obtain an application form by phoning 0800 61 62 63 or visiting one of our Student Hubs.
Applicants whose admission to a programme is approved will receive an offer of a place and on acceptance of this offer may proceed to enrol in courses.
Official communications to students
Email is the official and primary means of communication with students. All official email to a student will be sent to a student’s University email address (username@aucklanduni.ac.nz). If the student wishes to forward messages to other addresses it is their responsibility to ensure the alternative address is in place and operating correctly. Failure to read an email does not free a student from their responsibilities to understand and comply with the University’s requirements.