For the People who want to take their skills to the next level

Prepare for Postgraduate Study At The University of Waikato

Why choose the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation – Pre-Masters?

NZQCF Level 7 Pre-Masters Programme: A pre-masters programme designed for international students at NZQCF level 7, equivalent to a Graduate Diploma.

Direct Path to Postgraduate Degrees: Successful completion provides direct entry to a range of postgraduate degree programmes.

Accessible for Qualified Students: Open to students with at least two years of tertiary study and a qualification equivalent to NZQCF level 6, broadening your educational and career opportunities.

Career Advancement: Enhance your career prospects and earning potential by obtaining a postgraduate degree.

Academic and Language Support: Receive specialised training from experienced instructors to meet the University's entry requirements.

Work Visa Eligibility: After completing your postgraduate degree, you can apply for a three-year post-study open work visa, further enriching your career options.

Programme Information


Entry requirements	Academic: The equivalent of at least 2 years' full time successful tertiary study and a qualification equivalent to NZQCF Level 6.
	English language: An overall IELTS score of 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any band) or equivalent. Check entry requirements page for more information.
Duration	8 months
Start dates	February (starting 2025), July, November
Points	120
Award	Diploma Level 7 (NZQCF)
Location	Hamilton

Course planner

English for Academic Purposes 1
Personal and Professional Capabilities
New Zealand Context and Society
Research Methods

English for Academic Purposes 2
Professional Communication
Professional Project

Progression

Upon successful completion of the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation - Pre-Masters, you can progress to one of the following postgraduate degrees:

Master of Information Technology: Progression to the 240-point Master of Information Technology requires a minimum GPA of 4.5.

Master of Legal Studies: Progression to the Master of Legal Studies requires a B grade average or higher.

Master of Nursing Practice: Progression to the Master of Nursing Practice requires a B grade average or higher. Additional pre-requisites for admission apply.

Master of Technology Innovation in Business: Progression to the Master of Technology Innovation in Business requires a B average across 300-level papers.

To gain admission to the rest progression degrees in Business students need to complete the DipPP, which requires a pass in each of the seven papers (a result of 50%/C- or more is required to pass a paper).