Centre for Academic Preparation and Support

Programme Information | Admission Requirements | Course Dates/Fees

Laidlaw College brings together men and women from many cultures, with experiences that are distinct and passions and gifts that are unique. Academic achievement does not come easily to some and the Preparatory Programme offered by the College recognises this. Many have great potential but may not have achieved well academically in the past. This should not be a barrier to being equipped to renew their communities. A period of study (one or two semesters) in the Preparatory Programme can prepare people for success at degree level.

Certificate in Preparatory Studies

Preparatory Studies Academic Calendar Extract (53 KB)

About the Programme

Laidlaw College brings together men and women from many cultures, with experiences that are distinct and passions and gifts that are unique. Academic achievement does not come easily to some and the Preparatory Programme offered by the College recognisesthis. Many have great potential but may not have achieved well academically in the past. This should not be a barrier to being equipped to renew their communities. A period of study (one or two semesters) in the Preparatory Programme can prepare people for success at degree level.

The Certificate in Preparatory Studies is a bridging programme between school and tertiary study preparing people for diploma and degree (NZQA Level 5) study at Laidlaw College. Students learn academic skills while beginning to study the subjects they will meet later at diploma and degree level. Study options include either one semester (Stream 1) or one year (Stream 2).

The Stream 1 programme is designed for:

Students who do not meet requirements for tertiary level study;
Those with highly developed English speaking and listening skills, but whose academic reading and writing skills need further development; and
International students with an overall IELTS band of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in reading and writing.

The Stream 2 programme is designed for:

Those who have lived for a long time in New Zealand but whose current academic level and/or English-language ability requires a longer period of preparation for Level 5; and
International students who have an overall IELTS band of 5.0 with a minimum of 4.0 in writing and 4.5 in reading.

Language-Based Support

Laidlaw College provides targeted language support to students enrolled in the Certificate in Preparatory Studies. This offers a pathway to further supported study toward the Diploma in Biblical Studies.

If you are interested in this type of language-based support, please contact the Centre for Academic Preparation and Support to discuss the possibilities.

Programme Objectives

On completion of this programme, students will have developed:

Competency in reading and listening comprehension, and written expression, pre-requisite to diploma or degree level studies;
Skills in composing and writing assignments and essays;
Skills in verbal presentation of prepared work;
An introduction to the analysis of Biblical passages and an understanding of the Bible’s main themes; and
Familiarity with the library system.

Those who successfully complete either Stream 1 or Stream 2 will receive the Certificate of Preparatory Studies and may be able to apply to commence diploma or degree studies in the following semester. A maximum of 15 credits from a successfully completed CertPrep programme may be credited into some higher level programmes.

Programme Requirements at a Glance

Level 4 60 Credits - 1 Semester Full-Time / 120 Credits - 1 Year Full-Time
Stream 1	Level 4 60 credits Full-time for one semester (starts February or July)
Stream 2	Level 4 120 credits Full-time for one year (starts February)
The CertPrep is offered at the Auckland campus only.