Planning benchmark

Learner Workload Planner

Sense-check course and module workload against an NZQA-style benchmark of 1 credit = 10 notional learning hours. This is a planning tool, not compliance or legal advice.

Section 1

Inputs

Enter the basic workload model. Results update as you type.

Name the course, module, or assessment scenario you are planning.
Benchmark hours are credits × 10.
Used for weekly averages and totals.
Classes, workshops, live sessions, labs.
Reading, practice, revision, self-directed study.
Preparation, assignment work, tests, submissions, and related assessment effort.
Optional. Keep assumptions visible if you share the scenario with others.
Section 2

Benchmark and workload summary

The planner compares your proposed workload with the credit-based benchmark and shows the gap in plain language.

Benchmark 0 hours

Enter credits to calculate the NZQA-style planning benchmark.

Planned workload 0 hours

Add weekly learning and assessment estimates to see the total planned workload.

Weekly average 0 hours/week

Weekly workload is based on the total planned hours divided by teaching weeks.

Difference from benchmark 0 hours

The gap shows whether your plan sits below, close to, or above the benchmark.

Broadly aligned
Ready for a planning check

Enter the core numbers to see whether the design appears below benchmark, broadly aligned, or above benchmark.

Contact learning 0 hours total
Independent study 0 hours total
Assessment 0 hours total
Section 3

Category breakdown

This view shows how the planned workload is split across the three core categories.

Contact learning 0 hours · 0%
Independent study 0 hours · 0%
Assessment 0 hours · 0%

Interpretation

Use the status to sense-check whether planned learner effort looks realistic for the credit value.

Planning note

This tool provides a planning estimate based on NZQA-style notional learning hours. Use it to guide design conversations, not as a compliance ruling.