This report analyses the field of study of domestic graduates from the New Zealand tertiary education system between 2011 and 2014
Methodology
Provider-based graduates
Although NZSCED codes are assigned at the qualification level, to derive the field of study of a domestic graduate we look at the NZSCED code of the courses they studied in that qualification to derive a richer level of detail about their field of study. We do this because some providers offer relatively broad qualifications, which can make it difficult to determine the field of study from the qualification level NZSCED code. For example, a student who is enrolled in a Bachelor of Science might be specialising in Computer science, but the qualification NZSCED code might report them as being in Natural and physical sciences rather than Information technology.
If the study load of a student meets an equivalent full-time student (EFTS) threshold, they are assigned that field of study. A student can be assigned up to three fields of study. In this analysis we report a graduate in each field of study in which they complete a qualification. In cases where the EFTS threshold is not met, the qualification-level NZSCED is assigned.
Workplace-based graduates
For graduates from workplace-based learning, the NZSCED code of the qualification has been used to assign field of study.
Key Results
Our analysis shows that:
- the distribution of graduates at Level 1 and 2 certificates by field of study showed relative volatility over time, with an increase in graduates in the Mixed field programme field. Changes in the content and provision of this level of qualification, such as an increased focus on foundation-level learning, are likely factors in this pattern
- graduates with Level 3 to 7 certificates/diplomas showed less variation in the field of study over time, with Society and culture and Management and commerce remaining the largest fields of study at this level
- at the bachelors or higher level, there was an increase in the proportion of graduates in STEM-related subjects, a trend shared by Australia, but with a faster pace of change in New Zealand
- at the bachelors level or higher, universities had the highest number of graduates in all fields of study
- women were more likely to graduate in fields such as nursing and teaching, while men dominated the graduates in areas such as engineering. Māori and Pasifika were relatively less likely to graduate in the STEM-related fields at the bachelors or higher level.