New information following the change in COVID-19 alert levels. massey.ac.nz/coronavirus
The terms listed in this glossary are commonly used in the University. The explanations and descriptions provided are general and brief. More fully-developed statements may be found elsewhere in the Massey University Calendar or can be provided by the Massey Contact Centre or the College concerned.
Established by Massey University Council and consisting of the Vice-Chancellor, certain members of staff and students of Massey University. It (a) advises Council on matters relating to programmes of study or training, awards and other academic matters, and (b) exercises powers delegated to it by Council.
A status which reflects a student’s academic performance in the preceding period(s) of enrolment. Commencing with a neutral status, at the end of an academic period a student’s academic status may change in accordance with criteria specified in the Academic Progress Regulations. Academic Standing provides a transparent system allowing students to understand how their progress is viewed by the University. It enables and supports proactive, targeted academic performance-related interventions and recognition.
A School, Institute or Department responsible for teaching a particular discipline or disciplines.
An academic year at Massey University comprises two semesters – Semester One and Semester Two – and a Summer School. Where a course spans Semesters One and Two, this is referred to as Double Semester. Study within an academic year commences on the first Monday of Semester One and concludes at the end of the examinations at the end of Summer School. The starting date for Semester One for most qualifications begins late February although some qualifications have earlier start dates. An individual student’s programme of study may involve study in any or all semesters in an academic year. For the purposes of the Education Act 1989 (Sections 203, 217, 220 and 226A), academic year means the period of 12 months commencing 1 January.
The right to study at the University. Admission criteria and processes depend on the student’s educational history, age and the programme specified. “Enrolment” in a programme means the student was, by implication, admitted to study at the University. Admission to the University and admission to a qualification are separate processes however they may be conducted concurrently.
The application to be admitted to the University and to a specific qualification.
Admission with Equivalent Status (AES) is an entry opportunity for candidates who wish to study for a degree, diploma, or certificate but do not have the entry qualification required. AES at entrance level is required by students who are under 20 years of age and do not have the standard qualifications for entrance to a university in New Zealand. AES with graduate status to postgraduate qualifications is granted on the basis of completed academic work that substantially corresponds to course work in this University. Candidates may be granted “AES with graduate status” to graduate qualifications on the basis of practical/professional experience equivalent to that of a graduate in an area relevant to the qualification. “AES with graduate status” is only granted to the specific qualification considered, i.e. it is not transferable.
A re-consideration of the outcome of an assessment or examination that may be made when a student, due to illness, injury, or Critical Personal Circumstances is unable to attend a compulsory learning experience, assessment or examination activity, where such activity is at a fixed time and place as defined in the Course Guide.
Health professionals approved by Massey University include: Counsellors who are members of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors, Psychotherapists who are members of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists, Registered Dentists and Dental Specialists, Registered Medical Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Registered Midwives, Registered Physiotherapists, Registered Psychologists, Registered Specialist Medical Practitioners, Registered Social Workers or Social Workers who are members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers, or are members of the overseas equivalent bodies to the preceding list, are registered and hold a current practicing certificate. Other health professionals may be approved by Massey University by its Academic Board or its delegates.
The process of judging how effectively learning is occurring through a process of generating and collecting evidence of a student’s attainment of knowledge and skills, and comparing that evidence against the assessment criteria.
Statements that describe how student performance in relation to the stated learning outcomes will be recognised.
The qualification awarded to a person who has completed a university undergraduate degree.
University study undertaken on campus (or at an off-campus location) via face-to-face delivery compressed over one or more specific periods during the enrolment period. This mode may include online learning and the use of digital resources.
The official University publication that outlines the primary statutes, primary rules, primary regulations, and definitions of the University, along with information about the University. The University Calendar is printed annually, may be updated during the year by amendments published online and pertains to the stated academic year. For the current and archived Calendars refer to calendar.massey.ac.nz.
The process that enables students undertaking a research degree, other than a doctoral degree, to carry forward their enrolment into the enrolment period immediately following that in which a full fee was paid. Special conditions apply.
Three different types exist:
1. Certificate: A qualification at the under-graduate or pre-degree level with a total value of not less than 60 credits that provides tertiary level study in a specific or general area of study.
2. Graduate Certificate: A qualification open to graduates or to those who have been able to demonstrate equivalent practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind, comprising a coherent programme with a total value of not less than 60 credits, which includes the requirement that 45 credits or more of the courses or other work prescribed shall be at the 300-level or higher.
3. Postgraduate Certificate: A qualification that builds on attainment in the prior degree, open to graduates or those granted admission equivalent to a graduate on the basis of completed academic work, comprising a coherent programme with a total value of not less than 60 credits, which includes the requirement that the courses or other work prescribed shall be in advance of the 300-level.
An examination/assessment that students may be permitted to sit in order to demonstrate competence in a course that they have not been enrolled in or studied at this University. Permission to sit is based on evidence of professional or other experience.
Colleges are made up of academic units related by discipline that plan, direct and coordinate research and teaching. There are five colleges at Massey University: College of Business; College of Creative Arts; College of Health; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; and College of Sciences.
A pass that is granted for a “Part” or year cohort of courses within a qualification, where permitted under the Qualification Regulations. This type of pass allows a student to progress into the next “Part”.
Composite majors are available in the Bachelor of Communication degree only and are a prescribed combination of courses from two majors in the degree.
Confirmation provided to the student following receipt by the University of acceptance of an Offer of Enrolment. For programmes that lead to qualifications on the Qualifications Framework, the Confirmation of Enrolment is issued following an Enrolment Application and satisfaction of conditions (if any). It shows the qualification(s) and course(s) for which the student is enrolled.
Allows candidates to qualify for approved conjoint award of two degrees. The most common conjoint programmes entail the completion of two undergraduate degrees by passing a reduced number of credits in combinations as specified in the qualification regulations.
A synchronous event, over one or several days’ duration, in which distance students meet with academic staff and other students and participate in any of the following learning experiences: lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, tutorials, seminars, field trips, tests or similar. In-person contact workshops usually occur during the mid-semester and mid-year breaks, at either a Massey University campus or an approved alternative venue. Attendance at, and participation in, contact workshops is recommended and in some cases may be compulsory.
A synchronous event, over one or several hours’ duration, in which distance students meet online with academic staff and other students and participate in any of the following learning experiences: webinars, simulations, virtual laboratory classes, tutorials, virtual field-trips or similar. Online contact workshops usually occur during semester at a specified time, and in some cases at regular scheduled times, using University-approved and supported tools. Attendance at, and participation in, contact workshops is recommended and in some cases may be compulsory.
A compulsory course that must be passed as part of a particular qualification.
A course that is completed in the same semester as another course, unless the corequisite course has already been passed or waived as a requirement due to prior completion of an equivalent course.
A module of work in a particular discipline that is identified by means of a unique code number and delivered by means of lectures, tutorials, seminars, practica, studios or via other learning experiences. If in distance mode delivery may be by correspondence or electronic means. The length of a course is generally one or two semesters or as otherwise specified by the start and end dates. In appropriate combinations courses fulfil programme of study requirements and thus contribute to qualifications. Each course carries its own credit value.
Each Massey University course has a six-figure code to distinguish its discipline, level and identity, e.g. 150.214 where “150” denotes Māori Knowledge, the “2” shows it is a 200-level course and the final two digits (“14”) identify the course at that level.
An academic staff member responsible for the delivery of a course.
A study resource to provide enrolled students with sufficient detail regarding the requirements to pass the course successfully.
A course at a particular campus location in a given semester and delivered either internally, by distance or by block mode.
A study resource available to all students to help them make good enrolment choices.
Certificate, diploma and degree programmes are defined in terms of credits. Every course has a credit value associated with it that indicates its contribution to the qualification enrolled for. (Each course’s credit value applies to all qualifications to which that course can contribute.) The standard undergraduate course is 15 credits, except in some professional qualifications. (See “Effective Weekly Hours”.)
1. Unforeseen events beyond the student’s control, which compromise ability to participate as normal in, or attend, or complete, learning experiences, assessment or examination activity.
2. Circumstances which have a profound effect beyond the regular functioning of the specific student, i.e. a temporary impairment. The effect will usually be in terms of ability to concentrate, to think clearly, or to be able to put aside strong emotion, resulting in an impairment of functioning significant enough to substantially impact on participation in academic activity.
The term “cross-credit” refers to credit granted on the basis of a completed qualification, at Massey University or elsewhere. Cross-credit also applies where a candidate completes the programmes of study for two qualifications at the same time and wishes to credit one or more courses to both qualifications.
Committee on University Academic Programmes. The Committee is a sub-committee of Universities New Zealand and has statutory standing as the Quality Assurance Body for New Zealand universities. One of its functions is to review and approve new qualifications, new specialisations within existing qualifications, and significant changes to existing programmes.
The regulations as outlined in the current University Calendar. Each time students enrol or re-enrol at the University, they will be enrolled under the regulations as outlined in the Calendar as at the date of acceptance of the Offer of Enrolment as amended on the online version during the enrolment period.
A qualification awarded on the completion of a programme of study that meets the requirements set down by the University and as approved by CUAP. Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s Honours, Master’s and Doctoral qualifications are all referred to as degrees.
Three different types exist:
1. Diploma: A qualification at the under-graduate or pre-degree level with a total value of not less than 120 credits that can build on defined prior qualifications or experience.
2. Graduate Diploma: A qualification open to graduates or to those who have been able to demonstrate equivalent practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind, comprising a coherent programme with a total value of not less than 120 credits, which includes the requirement that 75 credits or more of the courses or other work prescribed shall be at the 300-level or higher.
3. Postgraduate Diploma: A qualification that builds on attainment in the prior degree, open to graduates or those granted admission equivalent to a graduate on the basis of completed academic work, comprising a coherent programme with a total value of not less than 120 credits, which includes the requirement that the courses or other work prescribed shall be in advance of the 300-level.
A person who has met the University’s requirements and has been awarded a diploma.
A branch of knowledge which is researched and taught at the University.
A detailed examination of a specific topic, which may include aspects of original research, problem investigation, and/or study of pre-existing data or published literature. Work leading to a dissertation typically includes minor data collection, validation and analysis, as well as writing an original document. Dissertations are typically 30–60 credits.
University study undertaken off-campus delivered primarily online or via correspondence using digital and print resources. This mode may include some face-to-face delivery via one or more contact workshops during the enrolment period.
An award recognising academic excellence in some undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
This is the most advanced postgraduate qualification, including the Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD); it requires the completion of a research thesis or creative work and exegesis that makes an original contribution to new knowledge. Named doctorates (e.g. the Doctor of Education or EdD and the Doctor of Clinical Psychology or DClinPsych) also require completion of a research thesis as well as specified course work. Normally a minimum of three years of full-time study is required for a doctoral degree.
A web publication outlining the guidelines and regulations pertaining to Doctoral study at Massey University. This publication supersedes the previous publication, Handbook for Doctoral Study – commonly referred to as the Doctoral Handbook.
The purpose of the Doctoral Research Committee is to provide effective engagement of the University’s doctoral research community in academic decision-making. Its role and function is to oversee the administration of the University’s doctoral degrees, and to maintain and promote the integrity and quality of these degrees.
The value of a course in credits gives an indication of the total amount of time (including lecturer and tutor contact hours, workshops and tutorials, tests and assignments, supervised practical placements, and study time) required to complete a course. Converted into a number of hours per week, this is referred to as the effective weekly hours for the course. For a standard undergraduate (15-credit) single semester course, a commitment of about 10–12.5 hours of study time per week might reasonably be expected over the 15 week duration of the semester. (Normally, tuition takes place for 12-weeks and the study and examinations period cover the remaining three weeks. The average workload relates to the 15-week period.) For a standard undergraduate (15-credit) double semester course, a commitment of about 5–6.25 hours of study time per week might reasonably be expected.
Equivalent Full-Time Student. Used as a measure of the size of a programme of study and the courses of which it is comprised. 1.0 EFTS equates to one full-time year of study or 120 credits.
Non-compulsory courses chosen by students (with certain guidelines usually provided). Elective courses contribute to the qualification, but not to the specialisation(s).
An academic discipline such as economics, social anthropology or physics, offered through courses at various levels which are taken at undergraduate diploma, graduate, postgraduate diploma or certificate level, through a combination of prescribed courses in a specific discipline that comprises most or all of the qualification requirements within the regulations for that qualification. An endorsement will normally appear printed on the graduation scroll and on the student transcript.
Having satisfied the requirements for admission following an Admission Application and having satisfied the requirements for enrolment following an Enrolment Application, the becoming or continuing to be a student of the University by the University receiving acceptance of an Offer of Enrolment and by the University issuing a Confirmation of Enrolment for a programme at the University. “Enrolment” also means the student was, by implication, admitted to study at the University.
The application to study one or more courses in a programme at Massey University. This application follows once an applicant has accepted an Offer of Place.
The period during which particular courses are offered, e.g. Semester One.
Equivalence, in relation to each offering of a course in a single Semester, is defined as the means by which equity and parity of the student learning experience and outcomes is achieved.
A type of assessment normally held at the end of a course or at completion of a thesis that consists of such written, oral and practical questions as the examiner(s) for a course or thesis may determine. These questions are set to assess candidates’ knowledge, skills and understandings. The results of the examination will form part of the final grade for the course.
A critical explanation accompanying a creative work that, together with other specified elements such as a presentation or exhibition, may comprise the requirements of a thesis.
“Exceptional Personal Circumstances” means any extraordinary personal circumstances (supported by corroborative evidence) that have not already been the subject of an Aegrotat and Impaired Performance Application.
(a) The cancellation of a person’s enrolment at Massey University, or in a course or programme when during that person’s enrolment it becomes evident that any of the Massey University Academic Progress regulations apply, or when the University is at law permitted to cancel a student’s enrolment; or
(b) If any person is not enrolled and any of the clauses in the Massey University Unsatisfactory Academic Progress regulations apply, or if the University is permitted at law to refuse to enrol a person, then exclusion means the refusal to enrol the person concerned in the course(s) or qualification(s) or at this University as the case may be.
A Personal Variation to Regulations permitting a student to replace a compulsory course with an alternative course. The attributes of the replacement course are defined at the time of granting the Personal Variation.
Massey Extramural Students’ Society. (See Students’ Associations.)
A highly-qualified person with specialist knowledge, not employed by the University, who is appointed by the University to examine and grade a post-graduate thesis/research project or final under-graduate assessment.
A Fee Appeal can be made when a student, due to Exceptional Personal Circumstances occurring after the final date for withdrawal without financial penalty, is unable to continue his or her study.
A visit to an off-campus location to view and investigate an activity or site that is not available on campus. There may be an item of internal assessment associated with the visit.
Compulsory Learning Experiences, Assessments and Examinations are considered to be of a Fixed Time and Place when the date and the location are specified and the activity cannot easily or practicably be replicated. This may include activities such as invigilated examinations and compulsory field trips, but will not include assignments and coursework where a due date is specified, or assessment activities where there is an element of choice as to the assessment or combination of assessments completed.
The status that applies to students who are enrolled in 0.8 EFT of a full-time workload of 120 credits. This equates to enrolment in 105 credits or more in one academic year, with part-time study defined as enrolment in 90 credits or less. Other definitions apply in specific circumstances, e.g. for StudyLink purposes enrolment in 96 or more credits in one academic year, 48 or more credits in one semester, or 36 credits or more in Summer School, meets the criteria for full-time study.
Immigration New Zealand defines full-time as three courses per semester for the purposes of obtaining a student visa.
Specific programmes may prescribe a full-time course load of 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
A code, often a letter, given to describe the level of achievement. The possible grades are –
Pass Grades
A+, A, A- First Class Pass
B+, B, B- Second Class Pass
C+, C, C- Pass
AG Aegrotat Pass
P Ungraded Pass
Fail Grades
D Fail
E Low Fail
F Ungraded Fail
DC Did Not Complete (A DC grade is awarded to candidates who withdraw from a course after the final date for withdrawing without academic penalty, or who fail to complete all compulsory elements, or who fail to complete assessment components totalling 51 percent or more of the total assessment, or whose aegrotat application is unsuccessful.)
Other Entries
WD Withdrew without academic penalty
NF Not Finalised
CT Continuing Enrolment
The # symbol on student result slips beside a grade result indicates confirmation that an aegrotat or impaired performance application was received and considered when the grade result was awarded.
Restricted Pass Awarded prior to 2017. A restricted pass “R” enables the course to be credited towards a qualification in which “R” passes are permitted but does not qualify as a pass for prerequisite or corequisite purposes.
A person who has completed the University’s requirements for a degree but has not yet had the degree conferred.
A person who has met the University’s requirements and has been conferred (awarded) a degree.
See under “Diploma”.
A statement of the intended capabilities of graduates from a particular qualification and/or specialisation. The profile includes descriptions of the generic and specific attributes that graduates are expected to possess including the body of knowledge attained.
An assessment item in which students have been given approval to, or are required to, collaborate to produce evidence of their learning. Assessment judgements may apply to the whole group; individual contributions can also be judged separately.
Head of Department/Institute/School, i.e. the academic units within the five Colleges.
An award for academic excellence in eligible degree qualifications, which include four classes: First Class; Second Class Division I; Second Class Division II; and Third Class.
Honours degrees are postgraduate qualifications comprising an additional year of study beyond the bachelor’s degree in the discipline. Entry to an Honours degree requires prior high academic performance in undergraduate degree study, and students selected for an Honours degree may enrol in the postgraduate degree after completing the undergraduate degree. Completion of the Honours degree may qualify the graduate for doctoral study if achieved at the appropriate level.
A re-consideration of the outcome of an assessment or examination that may be made when a student’s performance in, or preparation for, any compulsory learning experience, assessment or examination activity has been impaired due to illness, injury or Critical Personal Circumstances, and where such learning experience, assessment or examination activity is at a fixed time and place as defined in the Course Guide.
University study undertaken on-campus via face-to-face delivery, which are scheduled on a regular basis, normally weekly (and not less than fortnightly), throughout the enrolment period. This mode may include online learning and the use of digital and print resources.
To supervise candidates during an examination.
A period of tuition during which students conduct experiments or practical exercises in a supervised environment.
Academic activities which include but are not limited to, lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, tutorials, seminars, field trips, studios, webinars, simulations, practicum, placements, internships, self-directed learning, etc. Successful completion of some learning experiences may be compulsory for mastery of the course and its learning outcomes.
Statements of the knowledge, skills and attitudes that students are expected to demonstrate as a result of successfully completing a course of learning. Learning outcomes are usually stated in terms of observable and/or measurable behaviour.
An oral presentation of selected content of a course, usually delivered in a specific block of time.
The level of a course indicates how advanced the content and learning outcomes of a course is. Most undergraduate degrees consist of 100-, 200- and 300-level courses in which 100-level courses are taught in the first year, 200-level courses build upon these in second year and 300-level courses may be studied once 200-level courses are successfully completed. Some longer degrees require additional courses to be completed, e.g. Bachelor of Social Work to 400-level and Bachelor of Veterinary Science to 500-level. Postgraduate courses are taught at 700-, 800- and 900-levels.
A restriction on the number of students who can enrol in any given course, course offering or programme.
A pair of related courses, both of which must be passed in order to obtain credit. Linked courses are marked in the Degree Schedules.
The campus or other designation for the site of a course offering.
A substantial component of an undergraduate degree (at least one-quarter and often consisting of one discipline area only) selected by the student in accordance with the regulations as the principal area of study for the degree. Where a degree allows both a major and a minor, the major and minor should be from different discipline areas. A major will normally appear on the graduation scroll and on the student transcript.
A postgraduate degree awarded for advanced study that normally builds on the principal discipline area(s) of a qualifying undergraduate degree. Master’s degrees normally comprise 240 credits beyond a Bachelor’s degree or 120 credits beyond a Bachelor’s Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or significant relevant professional experience. Master’s degrees may comprise 180 credits where the Bachelor’s degree is completed at a specified level of attainment. A Master’s by coursework and thesis will include a thesis or creative work and exegesis, whereas a Master’s by coursework will include a research report, creative or scholarly work, as a defining feature. A Master’s by thesis will primarily comprise a thesis or creative work and exegesis.
The status of a candidate who earns the right to commence undergraduate study at university through meeting the prescribed requirements for entrance on the basis of the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 or its current or past equivalent.
A person, usually a staff member or senior student, available to students to support their participation in the University.
An award recognising academic achievement in some undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
A component of an undergraduate degree (usually a minimum of 60 credits with at least 45 credits above 100-level and at least 15 credits at 300-level, and often consisting of one discipline area only) selected by the student in accordance with the regulations as the secondary area of study for the degree. Where a degree allows both a major and a minor, the major and minor should be from different discipline areas. A minor will normally appear on the student transcript but not on the graduation scroll.
A student who is enrolled in a programme of study which includes courses which are delivered by different modes.
Communicates the method of delivery that students are expected to engage with which may be internal, distance (extramural) or block.
The process of establishing comparability of standards between assessors or between assessments, to ensure the reliability and validity of marks and grades. Moderation occurs in relation to the assessment design before assessments are administered and in relation to the marks awarded after assessments are administered.
Massey On-line Survey Tool – the University’s on-line survey tool for course and teacher evaluation.
Non-standard offerings are course offerings with start and end dates different to the standard semester dates. There are two types of non-standard offerings: compressed and extended. Compressed offerings start and finish within the standard semester. They are different to the compressed nature of face-to-face contact within the Block Mode definition.
Extended Offerings have start and end dates which extend beyond the normal semester period. They either start before the semester begins and/or end after the semester ends.
Various fees that are payable in addition to the tuition fees and sundry fees for each course.
A place-marker used when a grade result for an assessment of performance in a course is not finalised. It does not qualify as a grade for any purpose.
An Offer of Enrolment may be issued by the University in response to an Enrolment Application. If the candidate accepts the Offer of Enrolment and gives the University notice of acceptance in the manner required, a contract is formed with the University. That contract may be subject to conditions which must be fulfilled by the student or waived by the University. A Confirmation of Enrolment is issued by the University when that contract is unconditional.
An Offer of Place may be issued by the University in response to an Admission Application. If the candidate accepts the Offer of Place and gives the University notice of acceptance in the manner required, the candidate is admitted to the University to study the programme specified. The candidate is then invited to select courses and submit an Enrolment Application. The Offer of Place may be subject to conditions which must be fulfilled by the student or waived by the University.
Massey University’s interactive on-line enrolment service that provides intending and previously-enrolled students with the ability to submit Admission and Enrolment Applications and accept Offers of Place and Offers of Enrolment using the web, with direct access to the services and information that support enrolment decisions.
Communicates the online learning requirements associated with a course offering and provides information about the printing and supply of study resources. Information about the categories is communicated to students at enrolment and is available on the University website.
An acronym for Massey University’s centre for Professional and Continuing Education. PaCE offers quality-assured professional courses, including courses that prepare students for degree-level study, and English language programmes for students for whom English is a second or additional language.
A fixed year of study consisting of a set of interrelating courses as defined within the Qualification Regulations.
Permission of Head of Department, Institute, School or Programme (qualification) Director.
See under “Diploma”.
Involves study at either 700-, 800- or 900-level, (Levels 8, 9 and 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework) or a combination of these levels, normally for an Honours degree, Master’s degree or Doctoral degree, a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma. Normally undertaken when a Bachelor’s degree has been completed.
Relevant practical work other than laboratories, field or computer work, specified in the requirements for a course that is required for the particular qualification to be awarded. In some programmes this is undertaken during University holidays.
Assessed practical work that may be undertaken outside the University and/or the academic year.
A course that must be completed to a defined standard or waived before a student’s enrolment in another course is confirmed. For this purpose the minimum grade required is a C-, except where a different grade is specified in the Schedule for the qualification; e.g. P(B) means that the minimum grade that satisfies the requirement is B.
A brief statement of the material taught in a course.
A prepared performance, demonstration or exhibition, usually given to a group.
Responsible for all academic matters relating to an individual qualification, including selected student-related matters.
A programme of study or training leading to a qualification listed on the Qualification Framework. Where the context requires in the University regulations, rules and other documents, “programme” includes course, course of study or training, programme of study and qualification.
The group of courses for which students are enrolled in an enrolment period or the set of related courses that a student must pass in order to satisfy the requirements of a particular qualification.
The executive manager and academic leader of a College.
An official award given in recognition of the successful completion of a programme of study.
The academic requirements for enrolment in courses, and completion of a qualification.
The setting of sector and university standards through documented policies and procedures that enable adherence to the stated quality standards to be assessed. In New Zealand, University qualifications are quality assured by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) that are benchmarked across the university sector and evaluated by peer review. In a similar way, quality assured teaching and learning components must reflect agreed standards and review processes supported by documented evidence.
The term given to granting of credit on the basis of formal (see Cross-credit and Transfer of Credit) and informal learning. Credit on the basis of informal learning is assessed by a portfolio of supporting material or by the use of a challenge examination.
A written research component that may contribute between 30 and 60 credits of a postgraduate qualification.
Some courses that are similar in content are restricted against each other. Students will not be permitted to enrol in both courses or credit them both to a qualification.
Rules include Statutes and Regulations made under Section 194 of the Education Act 1989, and those University policies, procedures, guidelines and other documents that the University Registrar deems to be rules of the University.
A listing of the courses prescribed or allowed for a qualification, including any prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions.
A prescribed period of the academic year during which a course is taught and completed. A single semester normally comprises 12 weeks of teaching followed by final assessment where appropriate.
An oral presentation group discussion on a specific topic. The discussion may include a contribution from staff. Where the presentation is by a student, the seminar may form part of the internal assessment of a course.
An application from a student to take a course that would not normally be permissible.
Special Topic courses allow students (or groups of students) to undertake a specifically tailored course of study in an area not available through existing course offerings, and include the following circumstances: anomalous situations; trialling a new course; ongoing exploration of different topics within a discipline; and taking advantage of opportunities as they arise, such as a visiting lecturer.
The collective term covering majors, minors, subjects and endorsements in a specific discipline for a qualification.
Stream is Massey University’s online learning environment. Most courses are supported or enhanced by this environment, which may include features such as discussion boards, online quizzes, digital study resources and more. Students should be able to access Stream at least two weeks before the start of the enrolment period, including Summer School.
For the purposes of the Regulations, an applicant becomes a student if the University receives acceptance of any Offer of Enrolment, although he or she will not be enrolled until the University issues a Confirmation of Enrolment.
The staff group responsible for the organisation of many university student services, for example, multi-channel customer communications, academic advice, domestic and international admissions, fees and financial support, enrolment, examinations, progression, completion (graduation), academic records, distribution of study materials and academic standing.
A payment for living expenses to some full-time students by StudyLink. Entitlement depends on factors including but not limited to a student’s age, income and, if applicable, parental income.
ASA – Albany Students’ Association Inc.
EXMSS – Extramural Students’ Society Inc.
MAWSA - Massey at Wellington Students’ Association
Manawatahi – Massey University Māori Students’ Association Palmerston North
MUSA – Massey University Students’ Association of Palmerston North Inc.
MUSAF – Federation of Massey University Students’ Associations
Te Waka O Ngā Akonga Māori – Albany Māori Students’ Association
The legally-binding contract entered into between the University and the student.
A Government scheme available to students who are New Zealand citizens and to qualifying Permanent Residents living in New Zealand to assist with study costs. Other eligibility criteria apply.
Teaching and Learning materials provided by the University to facilitate student learning, including, for example, the Course Description, Course Guide and other resources. Resources may be fully digital or in a printed format or a combination of both. Resources may also include physical things such as a model of pollen.
An academic discipline such as economics, anthropology or physics offered through courses at various levels which are taken at Bachelor (Honours) or Master’s level, through a combination of prescribed courses in a specific discipline that comprises most or all of the qualification requirements within the regulations for that qualification. A subject will normally appear printed on the graduation scroll and on the student transcript.
Courses within a qualification that are associated with a specialisation – endorsement, subject or major. While not necessarily compulsory, they count towards the specialisation.
A period from November to February during which courses are offered by the University, which is shorter in length than a normal semester. Some Summer School courses are delivered over the full mid-November to mid-February period, and other courses are delivered over a shorter time span.
The Swedish Rounding system has been adapted and is applied to the final accumulated mark. Accumulated marks, where the first decimal place is .1 to .4, are rounded down. Where the accumulated mark is .5 to .9, the mark is rounded up.
A research component of a postgraduate qualification having a value of 0.75 EFTS (90 credits) or more. A thesis may comprise a written document only or creative work and exegesis.
Credit may be transferred from an incomplete qualification at Massey University or another tertiary institution. Application for transfer of credit is a statement that the candidate does not intend to complete the original qualification at a later date.
Provisions applying to students affected by new regulations for a qualification coming into effect partway through their programme of study towards the qualification. Transitional provisions are specific to a qualification and are included in the Qualification Regulations in the Calendar.
Fees that relate to a student’s programme (qualification or courses). Tuition fees include fees charged for courses and component fees such as field trips and materials.
Usually a period of instruction where small groups discuss the academic content of a course with a tutor.
Before graduation, e.g. an undergraduate student is someone who has yet to complete the requirements of a Bachelor’s degree.
A Personal Variation permitting a student to enrol in a course without meeting the prerequisite, corequisite or other general requirement which would otherwise prevent approval into that course. A waiver does not contribute to the total credit needed for the completion of a qualification.
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Last updated on Monday 21 September 2020
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