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How long would I need for an honours degree in New Zealand, and what does it involve?

27 Oct 2026 · Answered by Sumit Singh Chauhan · 1 min read
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An honours degree in New Zealand recognizes outstanding achievement and may be a degree in itself or a postgraduate year after a bachelor degree. It is typically a 480 credit degree over four years, or a 120 credit postgraduate degree over one year. Check each university.

Sumit Singh Chauhan
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An honours degree in New Zealand means the degree was achieved with outstanding achievement. It may be a degree in itself or a postgraduate year after your bachelor degree, and it is usually reserved for students with above-average results in the relevant bachelor credits.

Honours Degree Routes and Duration

RouteCreditsTypical length
Honours as a degree in itself480 creditsFour years
Postgraduate honours after a bachelor degree120 creditsOne year

Related Postgraduate Options

  • A postgraduate certificate deepens your knowledge and skills in a specific subject, and typically needs a bachelor degree, graduate certificate or appropriate work and professional experience.
  • A postgraduate diploma extends your knowledge in the main subject of your previous degree or certificate and prepares you for independent research in your specialization. You typically need a bachelor degree or a graduate certificate or diploma.

My Advice

Check your bachelor results first, because the honours year is usually for students with above-average performance in relevant credits. Then confirm the exact credit structure on the official university page.

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