Certificate in University Preparation
CUP
Duration
13 weeks full-time
Entry times
February, July, or November
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Duration
13 weeks full-time
Entry times
February, July, or November
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
Applications for the February (21B1) intake close on 8 February 2021.
The Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) is designed to prepare Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents for university study. The CUP programme provides an inclusive and supportive learning environment with small classes and individual attention to help you develop your confidence to succeed at university.
CUP is recommended for people of all ages, those who have been out of study for a while and want to refresh their study skills, or school leavers who want to gain University Entrance. Course places are limited to allow for small classes, which could include a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, exercises, and group tasks.
CUP is a one-semester programme of study for full-time students, with three intakes per year. Flexible part-time and distance options are also available. Full-time study could mean up to 40 hours of study per week, including up to 24 hours of classes and time spent on self-directed learning.
The core course, TRNS 001 Academic Writing and Study Skills is delivered in partnership with Hagley College in the February and July intakes.
The CUP programme will help you to develop the skills necessary for successful university study, including:
- subject knowledge for pathways to degree programmes
- study and time-management skills
- oral and written communication skills for a variety of contexts
- analytical, critical, and problem solving skills
- information literacy skills
- interpersonal, group, and teamwork skills.
The CUP programme provides an environment for students to:
- build relationships with peers
- connect with Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
- plan for future study.
For the full qualification requirements, see the Regulations for the Certificate in University Preparation.
We accept students into the CUP programme based on:
- an interview with a Student Advisor
- a previous academic record.
All students have an interview before they start to help design an appropriate pathway around their future ambitions and current needs.
Our intention is for students to succeed in tertiary study, and some background knowledge is required for certain degree pathways.
- A diagnostic maths test may be required for our engineering and science pathways.
- An English Language test may be required if your previous education is in another language.
We have a partnership with Hagley College to deliver an extended pathway into degree study, if required.
See the apply for preparatory programmes webpage for application information. The Regulations for the Certificate in University Preparation has all regulatory details.
How to apply
To apply for entry into the Certificate in University Preparation programme, you need to apply to enrol online with myUC.
Planning
- The first step is to think about what degree you want to do after CUP. If you are unsure of this, please talk to our Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office.
- Submit an online application.
- CUP course selection for degree pathways will assist you in choosing the relevant courses.
- At your interview we will help design a pathway into your degree.
Course Dates
CUP intakes are in February (21B1), July (21B2), and two Summer School offerings (21SU2 and 22SU1).
Please note that 2022 Summer School applications do not open until early October.
- Semester 1 intake – 22 February to 6 June 2021
- Semester 2 intake – 19 July to 31 October 2021
- Summer School 2021 – 8 November to 19 December 2021
- Summer School 2022 – to be advised
Each intake leads into degree study starting the following semester. An orientation day for each intake is held before the start of classes. Orientation information will be sent out along with enrolment confirmations. All students are expected to attend the orientation programme to receive important class information.
Completing CUP
To gain the Certificate in University Preparation you must:
- complete required oral, practical, and written work
- gain 60 credits (by passing the equivalent of four CUP courses), one of which must be TRNS 001
- complete CUP within 12 months of commencing CUP.
For more information on course selection, please refer to the CUP course selection for degree pathways.
When selecting courses you need to select the course code (TRNS 001), the appropriate occurrence code (21B1, 21B2, or 21SU2/22SU1) and delivery option ((C) or (D)) for each course (eg, TRNS001-21B1 (C) is for the February option offered on Campus; TRNS 001-21B2 (D) is for the July option offered via Distance).
Compulsory course
There is one compulsory core course that is delivered on campus and by distance:
Te Waka Talanoa
Self-identified Māori and Pasifika students can study the core skills course on the University campus as part of the connective grouping – Te Waka Talanoa. An academic pathway will be designed around a student's individual needs via another three courses that make up the CUP certificate.
Partnership delivery
The CUP programme is delivered in partnership with Hagley College. The core course, TRNS 001, is delivered by Hagley College on the University of Canterbury campus in the February and July intakes.
Course options
You can choose from three other courses depending on which areas of study interests you:
- TRNS 001 Academic Writing and Study Skills
- TRNS 002 Te Uku: Perspectives on the history and political expansions of Aotearoa and the Pacific
- TRNS 003 An Introduction to Social Issues and Challenges
- TRNS 004 Teacher Education and Educational Studies
- TRNS 005 Exploring the Psychology and Biology of the Human Mind
- TRNS 006 Chemistry: An introduction to atoms, bonding, and reactions
- TRNS 007 Preparatory Mathematics
- TRNS 008 Fundamental Physics
- TRNS 009 An Introduction to Statistics and Probability
- TRNS 010 Digital Data: An exploration of the use and pervasiveness of data in a digitised society
- TRNS 011 An Introduction to Business
- TRNS 012 An Invitation to Law
- TRNS 013 Special Topic
- TRNS 017 Mathematics with Calculus
- MATH 101 Methods of Mathematics
All optional courses are subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
This Certificate is accepted as an entry qualification for Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury and, by application, to other Aotearoa New Zealand universities.
See the undergraduate certificates and diplomas and bachelor's degrees offered at UC.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 60 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $786 per course |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
Contact us
For more information contact the Student Transitions and Engagement team:
Student Transitions and Engagement
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3337
Email transitions@canterbury.ac.nz