Waipapa Taumata Rau course changes

From 2026, the Waipapa Taumata Rau (WTR) courses will no longer be a core requirement for a number of programmes. WTR will be a General Education option for most students while remaining compulsory for those studying accredited programmes, or pathways to accredited programmes.

The Vice-Chancellor’s decision followed extensive feedback from students and staff about improving the delivery of WTR and providing greater flexibility for students. Senior leaders provided advice.

The University Senate supported the proposal in its September meeting, and this advice was endorsed by the University Council on 15 October 2025.

In providing students with the flexibility to choose their general education course, the University recommends the WTR course as it provides essential foundational skills.

It will remain a core requirement for accredited programmes or those that are pathways to an accredited programme. This includes:  

• Bachelor of Education (Teaching) - BEd(Tchg)
• Bachelor of Architectural Studies - BAS
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - BE(Hons)
• Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) - BUrbPlan(Hons)
• Bachelor of Health Sciences - BHSc
• Bachelor of Nursing - BNurs
• Students who are commencing study in a Bachelor of Science and intending to apply for entry to a clinical programme in 2027 (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – MBChB, Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) - BMedImag(Hons), Bachelor of Optometry – BOpt, Bachelor of Pharmacy – BPharm.

For all other programmes, the WTR courses will now be offered as part of a set of General Education options within each faculty. Faculties will be responsible for the governance of the WTR courses, working with the relevant Senate sub-committees in line with the current governance of General Education courses. This includes delivery to the University’s Graduate Profile.

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback and ideas during this process.