New Start General NSGEN 47

This compulsory course introduces students to a vareity of topics across a range of disciplines, helping you make informed decisions about future study.

The part-time programme runs over one semester (13 weeks) in Auckland, with courses at City Campus (Semesters One and Two) and Tai Tonga Campus (Semester One). 

Students engage in weekly lectures, workshops, and tutorials, with access to online resources, mentoring, and peer support.

Coursework includes assignments, tests, the Academic Integrity course, and the DELNA (Diagnostic English Language Needs Assessment).

The programme also features a Saturday Orientation Day, offering study tips, an overview of course expectations, and a valuable opportunity to meet classmates. Attendance is mandatory for all students.

Students will attend two two-hour lectures per week with University academic staff from a range of disciplines, supplemented by workshops and tutorials.

Each week introduces a new subject area, including Anthropology, Art History, Classics, Comparative Literature, Economics, Education, History, Law, Māori Studies, Media, Philosophy, Pacific Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and test preparation.

Note: Lecture topics and assignments may vary each semester.

To support you during the course, we run a series of study skills workshops. These will help you develop your skills and your understanding of what will be expected of you during your University study. Most workshops run for one to two hours and include:

• Assessing your language skills
• Essay writing skills
• Life on campus
• Managing your New Start studies
• Memory, revision and exam techniques
• Taking notes and reviewing lectures
• Planning your degree studies
• Reading critically
• Test preparation
• Using information technology
• Using the library

Assessments are made up of quizzes, small writing pieces called Reflective Writing Responses, and two in-class Tests. 

To complete the course, you'll need to submit all coursework and sit all tests to obtain a final grade. This will be used to assess your degree application to the University of Auckland.

Having successfully completed your New Start course, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate the skills necessary for undergraduate study
• Write essays in an appropriate academic style
• Demonstrate study skills and self management
• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and evaluate concepts
• Describe and debate issues of importance within at least ten different disciplines
• Make informed decisions, plan an undergraduate course of study and enrol at the University of Auckland

City Campus

• Dates: Tuesday 3 March – Thursday 4 June 
• Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12–2pm
• Closing date for online applications: 13 February 2026

Tai Tonga Campus, South Auckland

• Dates: Tuesday 3 March – Thursday 4 June 
• Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6–8pm
• Closing date for online applications: 13 February 2026

City Campus

• Dates: Tuesday 21 July – Thursday 22 October
• Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6–8pm
• Closing date for online applications: Friday 3 July