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Why you need to plan ahead
The Janice Emens McAdam Department of Physics
Why you need to plan ahead
Thinking about studying physics? This is the time to start thinking about the high school courses you will need to gain entry.
Is a university education for me? Yes.
- University is about learning new things on a career pathway with lots of options. That's one of the good things about physics - you can use your knowledge in dozens of different jobs around the world.
- A university education gives you the freedom to choose your job or career. It gives you control.
- A degree from the University of Auckland has international prestige.
- You get to learn about something you really like. Some students get so involved they become experts in their chosen subject.
- Physics offers you a rich and varied learning environment full of opportunities.
When to start?
Your university career starts in Year 11 at high school. Why? Three reasons:
- To make your start into an undergraduate degree in Physics easier you need to take the right courses in high school. Find more information on what to choose.
- You need to have a mix of Unit and Achievement Standards.
- Your high school work will be ranked on your Excellent, Merit and Achieved scores.
What you need to do
- Check the basic number of credits you will need to gain entry to university. There are two types of credits – Unit Standards and Achievement Standards. You will need some of both. To get into the University of Auckland, you will also be ranked on the number of Excellent, Merit and Achieved scores you receive. Find more information about entry based on NCEA exams.
- If you’re doing the International Baccalaureate or Cambridge International, you need to go through the same planning exercise. Visit Entry requirements for domestic applicants.
- Your high school subjects need to be from the approved NZQA list. For more information visit the NZ Qualifications Authority website.
- Check out the requirements for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physics.
- Check out the requirements for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geophysics.
- Check out the requirements for a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Optoelectronics.
- Check out the requirements for a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Medical Physics and Imaging Technology.
In case you have questions
If you have further questions please contact our advisers at the Science Student Centre.
