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Gain a more in-depth understanding of your scientific subject area and boost your career opportunities with a PGDipSc.

The Diploma will take you one year of full-time study, or up to two years if you study part time. You’ll further develop your skills in laboratory work, data analysis, and scientific communication. The programme can also provide a pathway into Master’s study.

You’ll take courses worth a total of 120 points—and with most subjects, you can choose whether to include a 30-point research project.

If you already have a Bachelor’s degree and you want to gain advanced knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation, then a PGDipSc is a good option for you.

Get the Postgraduate Science Handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

Postgraduate Certificate in Science

If you just want to pick up a few postgraduate courses, you could choose the 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc). The Certificate has the same entry requirements as the Diploma, and it allows you to choose from the same range of subjects.

To find out more about studying the PGCertSc, contact one of our future student advisers.

Other study options

The University also offers a number of other postgraduate study options in Science, including specialised Master’s programmes in a range of different areas.

If you don’t have the required background for entry into our postgraduate programmes, you could instead do a Graduate Diploma in Science (GDipSc). The GDipSc is made up of undergraduate-level courses in a wide range of science subjects.

Workload

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours of work.

Support

As a postgraduate student you’ll be in smaller classes and can build closer relationships with academic staff. You’ll have access to a work space in your school with a computer and printer.

Summer Research scholarships

Take the opportunity to apply for a Summer Research scholarship. These scholarships give you the chance to work with our academic staff—or sometimes an external organisation—on a research project over the summer.

Further study

If you get a B+ average grade in the PGDipSc, you may be able to go on to complete a Master of Science by thesis. That would take you one further year of study.