留學指南：選學程與選課

Choosing what to study is one of the biggest decisions you will make. Here are some of the words you will see, and some tips to help you choose. Diploma or degree? A diploma is a shorter, more practical qualification, often taking one to two years. A bachelor's degree usually takes three years of full-time study and goes into more depth. A graduate diploma or master's degree is postgraduate study, for students who already have a degree. Many students start with a diploma, then use the credits they have earned to move into the second year of a degree. Majors In a degree such as a Bachelor of Business, you choose a major – the main subject you will specialise in. Common majors include accounting, marketing, management and human resources. Other programmes focus on hospitality management, tourism management or information technology. Some students also choose a minor, a second subject that they study in less depth. Papers, credits and levels Each programme is made up of courses, often called "papers" in New Zealand. Each paper is worth a number of credits, usually 15. A full-time student normally takes four papers per semester, and a three-year degree requires 360 credits in total. Papers have levels: first-year papers are at Level 5, second-year at Level 6, and third-year at Level 7. Compulsory and elective papers Some papers are compulsory (or "core") – every student in the programme must take them, such as Introduction to Accounting or Business Communication. Others are electives, which you choose based on your interests. Before you can take some advanced papers, you must pass certain papers first. These are called prerequisites. Three semesters a year Some colleges run three semesters a year instead of two. If you study through the summer semester, you can finish your degree sooner. This is often called fast-tracking. Cross credits If you have already studied at another college or university, you may be able to get cross credits, which means some of your previous study counts towards your new qualification. This can save you both time and money. Tips for choosing - Think about the job you want after graduation, and work backwards. - Read the paper descriptions and look at how each paper is assessed: exams, essays, group projects or presentations. - Make an appointment with an academic adviser. They can check that your plan meets all the programme requirements. - Don't overload yourself in your first semester. Give yourself time to adjust to a new country and a new way of learning.