This page provides guidance and resources to support the design or redesign of your course(s).
Following New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) approval of a programme, the next step is to design or redevelop the courses that deliver the approved programme outcomes. Course development focuses on ensuring that each course contributes meaningfully to the achievement of the Graduate Profile Outcomes (GPOs) and aligns with the programme structure and intent.
The guidelines and resources below support teaching staff to apply principles of Constructive Alignment and Backward Design to ensure that learning activities, assessments, and course Learning Outcomes (LOs) are coherently aligned. These resources are intended to help you design effective, engaging, and outcome-focused courses that foster student success and uphold NZQA quality assurance expectations.
Explore the resources below to support each stage of your course development (post-NZQA). Please click on the links below to view or download relevant resources.
Guidelines
Course Development Guidelines (PDF)
This guideline provides a step-by-step approach to course design, supporting teachers in planning assessments and learning activities that are aligned with existing learning outcomes and graduate profile outcomes.
Templates
Course Design Plan Template (Word)
Use this template to unpack learning outcomes into topics, sequence them, and plan aligned assessments and learning activities.
Course & Assessment Schedule Template (Word)
Use this template to create a clear course schedule, which includes weekly topics, and assessment details for your students.
Assessment Template (Word)
Use this template to design assessments and to create a marking schedule or rubric. It outlines due dates, assessment types, and how each task aligns with the learning outcomes for your students. Supporting comments are included throughout the document to guide you as you complete the template. Please remember to delete these comments before printing.
Introducing TPA One-Pagers
Te Puna Ako (TPA) has developed a series of One Pagers that offer a simple, accessible overview of key concepts in course and assessment design. These resources are available to view or download.
Relevant One Pagers
Know Your Course (PDF)
Helps teachers unpack and understand their course descriptor.
Unpacking Learning Outcomes (PDF)
Helps interpret and clarify learning outcomes.
Start Thinking About Your Assessment (PDF)
Provides guiding questions to support the assessment design or improvement.
Assessment Design Considerations (PDF)
Key factors to consider when designing effective assessments.
Clear Assessment Instructions (PDF)
Tips for writing clear, student-friendly assessment instructions.
Student Workload (PDF)
Guidance on balancing workload expectations for students.
What’s Next?
TPA is currently developing additional guidance and resources to support course development. Staff will be notified as soon as new resources become available.
How Can TPA Help?
Te Puna Ako (TPA) is keen to collaborate with you to enhance the quality of your course design. If you’d like support, please email Te Puna Ako and indicate the level of support required:
- In-depth support, co-designing courses in collaboration with TPA
- Light-touch support, where Schools lead the process (self-directed) with access to targeted guidance and resources. TPA is available for advice or input as needed.
Supporting Links
Unitec Programme Development and Set up Process
To view or download the approval process document, visit Te Korowai Kahurangi (TKK): AC1.1.3-Programme-Development-Approval-and-Set-up-Process.pdf
Refer to page 36 – 37 for information about the course development stage.
Additional TKK resources and guidance are also available at: Programme Development, Improvement and Management.
References
- Wiggins, G. P., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design (2nd ed.) Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
- Biggs, J., & Tang, C. (2014). Teaching for quality learning at university (4th ed.) Open University Press.
- Victoria University of Wellington (2015). Programme and course design handbook. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz
- Victoria University of Wellington (2025). Aligning learning objectives, assessments and activities. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz
APA 7th edition