Getting the workload right in your first semester is very important to a successful transition into university-level study. In many cases enrolling in three papers in your first semester may be the best approach, to allow space to adjust to the new ways of studying and the university experience. You should think carefully about your workload in the first year of study to help ensure academic success and a successful transition into university.
Each paper has a points value where one point generally represents 10 hours of work for an average student wishing to achieve an average grade. Work is made up of formal contact time (lectures, tutorials, laboratories, etc.) and independent study (studying, revision, assignments, reading, etc.).
First-year workload recommendations for full-time study are detailed below. Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from one of our Student Advisers if they have questions about their first-year workload.
| Programmes not specified below | Three papers in first semester (54 points) and four papers in second semester (72 points) is a good option for many students. Students with an Excellence endorsement in NCEA (or equivalent), or generally strong academic records, may wish to consider four papers in first semester. |
| Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) | Students who have a Merit or Excellence endorsement in NCEA (or equivalent) are encouraged to consider enrolling in four papers (72 points) in each semester. |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB First year) | In addition to the required full-year paper LAWS101, students should normally take at least three papers in first semester and a further two papers in second semester. Students are encouraged to seek course advice from staff in the Faculty of Law. |
| Bachelor of Teaching (endorsed in Primary or Primary Bicultural Education) (BTchg) | Students are required to take a full-year professional practice paper plus three prescribed papers in first semester and two prescribed papers in second semester. Additionally, students must select a further subject studies paper – it is recommended that this be taken in second semester. Students are encouraged to seek course advice. |
| Bachelor of Teaching (endorsed in Early Childhood Education) (BTchg) | Students are required to take a full-year professional practice paper plus three prescribed papers in first semester and two prescribed papers in second semester. Additionally students are encouraged to select a further subject studies paper – it is recommended that this be taken in second semester. Students are encouraged to seek course advice. |
| Health Sciences First Year | Four papers are required in first semester, followed by three or four papers in second semester. See additional information on the Health Sciences First Year website. |
| Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc) | Three papers are required in first semester, see additional information on the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences website. |
| Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (BRT) Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDenTech) | These programmes have a prescribed course, see additional information on these websites: |
| Bachelor of Surveying (BSurv) | For many students four papers in first semester (72 points), followed by three or four papers in second semester, is recommended. However, there may be advantages to taking three papers in first semester in some circumstances. Students are encouraged to seek advice from the School of Surveying and should also consider advice for first year Surveying students. |