Entrance To Degree Study Must Remain Flexible

Entrance To Degree Study Must Remain Flexible

Monday 12 April 2010

Polytechnic students are concerned at possible moves to tighten access to degree study, says Rachel Boyack, President of the Student Association of Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology Inc. (SANITI). Entrance standards for all degree programmes are currently being reviewed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

“Students studying at a Polytechnic are often older, second chance learners, who do not need another door shut in their face when trying to access tertiary education,” said Boyack. “What matters most is the quality of the degree they complete,” Boyack added.

Currently, “University Entrance” is required for enrolment in all university degree programmes, whereas students at Polytechnics have differing requirements dependent on the degree and the tertiary institute.

Polytechnic students are concerned that entrance criteria may not be broad enough to encompass the skills needed for the practical style of degree provision at Polytechnics.

“An adult student may bring life and work experience to their degree study, rather than academic credentials,” said Boyack.

“If a single entry standard is to be applied, then we expect full and thorough consultation with the Polytechnic sector, and an assurance that no sectors of society will lose access to tertiary education,” Boyack concluded.

ENDS

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