Admission to the University of Otago
The Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC) allows students who have not previously gained university entrance to meet the academic requirements for admission to the University of Otago.
This involves studying a total of ten papers including the two compulsory papers, Academic English 1 and Academic English 2.
Each paper is worth 12 points. A student must pass the paper in order to be awarded 12 points. Failing the paper results in 0 points.
In order to be awarded the FSC, students must achieve a minimum of 96 points. This is achieved by:
- Gaining a minimum grade of C in both Academic English 1 and Academic English 2 and
- Gaining a minimum grade of C- in at least six other papers
This means that to pass the FSC, a student must achieve a minimum of 96 points over 10 papers, including a minimum grade of C in both Academic English papers.
How will I be assessed for the Foundation Studies Certificate?
Every paper is assessed using a mixture of internal assessment and a final exam.
The proportions of internal assessment to exam assessment are different for each paper but the final exam will always count for at least 60% of the final mark.
For each paper you will receive a percentage mark with the corresponding grade and points achieved.
At the end of the course you will receive a Certificate of Completion, a Statement of Results and an Academic Transcript.
The Academic Transcript will list the 10 papers you have studied with your percentage mark, corresponding grade and the points achieved.
Throughout the course you will receive regular feedback to indicate your progress.
Precise assessment details are different for each paper and students will be given full information when the paper starts.
Internal Assessment
Each paper is different but internal assessment may include:
- Tests
- Written assignments
- Presentations
- Lab tests
- Lab assignments
- Group work
Final exams are usually formal, written style. Most exams are two hours long. Types of questions may include multiple choice, short answer and long answer.