Overview
Students intending to major in Engineering, Science or Forestry need a solid background in key science and mathematics subjects.
Headstart courses are catch-up courses designed for newcomers to tertiary study who:
- want, or are required, to take a course in a subject in which they don't feel confident
- have been away from study for some time
Headstart will also assist secondary students who wish to study a subject at NCEA level 3 but do not have a good background at NCEA level 2.
Headstart courses cover essential pre-university material. If you have a strong background in a subject at NCEA level 3 or equivalent, you don’t need Science Headstart. On the other hand, if you have no background in your chosen subject, you may find Headstart very challenging. You may need to do some preliminary study before attending the course.
All Headstart courses are taught by well-qualified and supportive tutors. Practical work in the University’s well-appointed laboratories features in the relevant courses. The depth and pace at which each course is taught depends on the abilities and backgrounds of the students.
These are intensive courses, and extra work will be required outside class hours.
Please note: Headstart courses do not constitute an entry qualification and do not contribute credit points towards a degree.
If you have more time, the Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) offers a more thorough grounding in these subjects.