Curriculum Framework overview

Taumata Teitei, the University’s new strategic plan, developed with valuable input from students, staff and the wider community, notes that:

“Students who embark on a University of Auckland research-informed education join an inclusive, lifelong learning culture...and have a deep sense of cultural identity, social justice and civic duty, and sustainable practices, which will be demonstrable in their actions and interactions.”

Taumata Teitei, Vision 2030 and Strategic Plan 2025

Amid the aspirations are several drivers for change. Why?

The University is operating in a society that is facing multiple, highly complex issues relating to climate, energy, health and wellbeing, equity and social stability. Student and employer expectations are changing, and technology changes continue to accelerate.

At the same time Covid-19 continues to impact student experience and ways of working.These issues, and the challenges and the opportunities they present, were discussed during the development of Taumata Teitei.

Strategic priorities

The Education and Student Experience strategic priorities are a distillation of these discussions and signal the University’s commitment to delivering:

Accessible, equitable, lifelong higher education opportunities
Student-centric learning, co-curricular and extra-curricular cultures
Education that is research-informed, transdisciplinary, relevant and with impact for the world
Graduates who make the world better tomorrow than it is today

Since the launch of its vision, the University has established the Curriculum Framework Transformation Programme (CFTP) to support the delivery of those strategic student education and experience priorities. At its heart is a distinctive, vibrant and accessible Waipapa Taumata Rau experience for all students.

A CFTP taskforce, made up of faculty, institute, and specialist representatives from across the University, has been established to develop and deliver - two key pieces of work; namely a refresh of the University’s Graduate Profile to align with strategic aspirations, and the development of a draft Curriculum Framework to help guide the future review of the curriculum and student experience.

Areas of focus shaping the Curriculum Framework

The draft Curriculum Framework sets out the principles and recommendations to guide our future programmes and teaching and learning at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland.

Framework development includes the exploration of a number of connecting core components, and areas of focus within each of these components, which are being explored by taskforce working groups.

The University Graduate Profile refresh is a foundational piece of work, required to support the development of the draft curriculum framework.

Click on the links in the table below for more information on each of these areas of focus, which are informed by the University Graduate Profile.

Core components	Areas of focus
Structure	Defining the Waipapa Taumata Rau model to guide programme structure and duration. Includes elements such as student pathways and transitions, disciplinary knowledge development, learner autonomy and breadth requirement.
Content	Exposing all students to a distinctive Waipapa Taumata Rau experience by integrating the hallmark elements signalled in Taumata Teitei across the curriculum: Pūtoi Ako - mātauranga Māori, kaupapa Māori pedagogies, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and accountabilities. Sustainability Transdisciplinarity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Work-Integrated Learning Research-Informed and Research-Led Teaching Transitions

Core components

Areas of focus

Structure

Defining the Waipapa Taumata Rau model to guide programme structure and duration. Includes elements such as student pathways and transitions, disciplinary knowledge development, learner autonomy and breadth requirement.

Content

Exposing all students to a distinctive Waipapa Taumata Rau experience by integrating the hallmark elements signalled in Taumata Teitei across the curriculum: