While most degrees in NZ 20 years ago were 3 year programmes this is not the case today, with most specialist degrees being 4 years and in some cases even longer.
Some universities do confer an Honours to qualifying undergrad students who complete an extra year of advanced study, (this is commonly for 3 year degree programmes) other universities invite 4th year students to complete their study with advanced courses to qualify for an Honours. These programmes are usually still 4 year programmes though some may require an additional term of study.
Comparing the number of courses within a degree does not prove anything other than one programme requires more courses than another. What one university can cover in 3 courses another institute could cover in less than 2 courses, so the number of courses you do in a degree is no measure of the depth and content of the programme of study. And as you would know the key purpose of degree programmes is not related to the specific course content.
NZ Law degrees are 4 year programmes with restricted entry and higher standards for entry. Combining Law & Commerce is a popular and natural combination as few people in business avoid the need for legal knowledge and not surprisingly commerce courses by default include many law courses, (my business degree included 4 law courses).
GP training programmes containing a core 5 year programme followed by vocationally focused training for at least an additional 2 years is also not something that is restricted to NZ.
The level of writing skills of students is an issue that has been around since the ‘80’s if not before, and extends far beyond NZ. I have had this discussion with academics in NZ, Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. I can assure you NZs current focus on competence has in no way led to a reduction in the level of Literacy. Competency based assessment is a system used extensively around the world, including North America.
NZ’s tertiary system was not developed in isolation and our graduates have also succeeded both academically and professionally within NZ and overseas (including North America).
BQ, it would be helpful if you could make a clearer distinction between facts and personal opinions in your posts.
Regards
Shawn