Bachelor of Career Development

Career development is a lifelong process, embracing experiences from life, learning and work. Gain high-level communication and career counselling skills to help others to recognise their available options, make choices and then actively work towards their goals. 

Those currently working in this field or have related work experience may apply for recognition of credit for individual courses up to 240 credits. See below for more information.

If you are teaching and considering professional development, you could consider this programme for your study grant application(external link). 

A qualification in Career Development at level 6 or higher fulfils part of the requirements of full membership for Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ)(external link).

Academic requirements

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher) which must include:

• 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects
  as well as
• Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing
  and
• Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR

A qualification or examination recognised as being equivalent to achievement of NCEA Level 3 (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination) 

* See NZQA approved subjects(external link)

OR(external link)

A relevant qualification at Level 4 (or above) on the NZQF

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager (or delegate)

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Table(external link):

• IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in each band),

Note: Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment

The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Special entry

If you are aged 20 years or above and have not met the general admission or entry requirements for the programme but your skills, education or work experience indicate that you have a reasonable chance of success, you may be eligible for special admission.
Special admission will be granted at the discretion of the relevant Head of Department or delegate. You may be required to successfully complete a foundation, bridging or tertiary introductory programme as a condition of entry into higher level programmes.

Entry from other career qualifications

For applicants wishing to progress to the third year of the degree from the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance, or the Level 7 Diploma in Advanced Career Guidance, or an equivalent career qualification, a pathway is available. Applicants will be provided with this information and the opportunity to discuss requirements. Each application will be considered case by case and will follow the NMIT Recognition of Academic Credit Policy and Process(external link).

To progress from previous study (e.g. Career Development, Counseling or Psychology) to the Bachelor of Career Development, the study needs to have been completed within the last six years. Your qualifications or experience may be counted towards the Bachelor of Career Development credits through Recognition of Academic Credit (known as RAC).

RAC can include both direct ‘Cross Credit’ from prior tertiary study and ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ (known as RPL) towards the Bachelor of Career Development.
The process will include you providing evidence of:

• Your experience in practice in the career development field
• The number of credits you have achieved in previous related study. 

Process of application to the Bachelor of Career Development and Recognition of Academic Credit

1. Apply online
2. If you are considering applying for Recognition of Academic Credit, please be in contact with the Programme Support Coordinator to discuss the process.
3. A template (RAC form) will be provided which asks you to outline evidence of either study or experience that demonstrates you have met the Learning Outcomes from the course/s.
4. Submit the RAC forms and send the forms back to the Programme Support Coordinator, along with any supporting information required.
5. The programme coordinator will check your forms and start the approval process. You will then be notified of the outcome and what courses to enrol on.

Find out further information on NMIT's Recognition of Academic Credit(external link).

Note: NMIT's Recognition of Academic Credit form is in appendix 1 for the Recognition of Academic Credit Procedure(external link).

The Nelson Campus delivery option is available for Year 1 students only.  

Blended learning

Ākonga (learners) can study Years 1-3 online and receive the same support as they might on-campus. They will be included in class Zoom sessions to facilitate an interactive study experience. 

This programme is mostly completed online, attendance at workshops on the Nelson Campus is required for some courses.* 
See more about blended learning here.

Self-directed study 

Expect to spend around 12 to 15 hours per course each week to successfully complete this programme. 

* travel and accommodation for workshops are at the learner's own cost.

For students enrolled in placement courses BCD703, you will be asked to take up professional supervision alongside your placement which may have an associated cost. 

The hours involved are as follows:

7 hours BCD703 Integrated and Reflective Practice (2)

Supervisor costs range depending on experience. Qualities and skills of supervisors will be discussed in class.