Level 3

Learn English language skills for the workplace or further study

Further develop your English language skills so that you're ready to participate in further study in a New Zealand tertiary context.
Overview

Programme highlights

This qualification is for those who want to use English for general purposes or gain entry into level 4 certificates.

You will learn the language skills and knowledge you need to participate in further study in a New Zealand tertiary context.

You will also develop the interpersonal and intercultural skills required to study, work and live in the multicultural environment of New Zealand.

This qualification allows the Aotearoa New Zealand community, employers and educational institutions to recognise the level at which you can use English for general or academic purposes.

You may be required to complete literacy and numeracy assessments as part of this programme.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the following entry criteria
  • Hold an NZCEL Level 3 General or Academic or equivalent; or
  • Have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.0, with no scores below 4.5, or equivalent; or
  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) score of high B1.

The applicant’s previous English learning experience and their current educational /learning goals will be established in a career conversation. A placement test and a writing sample will be collected prior to the career conversation.  An assessment of the applicant’s level in speaking and listening will be determined during the conversation, and placement in the correct programme will be done accordingly.

General requirements
  • Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident; or
  • Hold a Certificate of Refugee Status and provide evidence of eligibility to study for the duration of enrolment; or
  • Have an appropriate visa.

Special & discretionary admission

Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.

Need IELTS?

Book your British Council IELTS test with us.

You will complete your test in one day, plus get free online tuition to help you succeed. We offer paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS. Choose computer-delivered IELTS and get your results in 3-5 days.

Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?

Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.

Programme structure

Programme structure

You will need to complete the below four courses (60 credits):

843.325 Academic reading and writing skills (15 credits)

Read and understand a range of moderately complex written texts independently, and write a coherent text under test conditions.

843.326 Applied academic reading and writing (15 credits)

Read and understand a range of moderately complex written texts, and write a clear, connected text in an academic context.

844.331 Notetaking and presentations (15 credits)

This course will enable you to understand the main points and some specific details of moderately complex spoken monologues and to participate with some confidence in sustained spoken discourse on reasonably familiar topics relevant to an academic context.

844.332 Academic discussions (15 credits)

This course will enable you to understand and participate in moderately complex spoken interaction in an academic context.

Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?

Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.

Careers and pathways

Further training or study

This certificate builds on the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 3).

Graduates may progress to the New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 (Academic), or gain entry to certificate programmes that have an entry requirement of 5.5 IELTS, particularly in baking, culinary and hospitality, engineering and trades, and business administration.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this certificate will have the English language skills to work in positions that require more complex language.

Youth Guarantee: Free study for Level 3 may be available for 16 to 24 year olds (Youth Guarantee). All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.

Information is correct as at 4 December 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. Where the fees are indicative, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.