New Zealand University Terms

University terminology can be confusing. We have included a selection of university terms that may be helpful, especially if you are a new students.

DEGREE
The academic award conferred by the university on the successful completion of a programme of study normally requiring at least three years' full-time study for a Bachelor's degree, and one or more years for a postgraduate degree.

DEPARTMENT
An organisational unit of the university consisting of academic staff teaching a particular subject or discipline together with supporting general staff.

DIVISION
The university is divided for administrative purposes into four teaching divisions - Commerce (also known as the School of Business), Health Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences - which include the staff in all of the departments and schools in each of the four groups of related disciplines. Some departments teach courses for degrees based in other divisions.

FACULTY
A decision-making body for academic matters affecting a group of departments or a specialist school.

MAJOR SUBJECT
The subject chosen as the main area of study for a Bachelor's degree. A major subject is studied up to 300-level.

MASTER ' S DEGREE
An advanced degree taken by a student who already holds a Bachelor's degree. Normally involves research for a thesis or a dissertation. (e.g. Information Science is a Commerce subject taught by a Commerce department but can also be taken for degrees in Arts and Science).

GRADUATE
A person who has had a degree conferred.

GRADUATE DIPL MA
A qualification available only to graduates but comprising papers at undergraduate level.

SCHOOL
A section of the university which teaches a particular discipline (e.g. School of Dentistry) or which groups a number of departments in a division together.