Why Study / Key Benefits

The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science at Lincoln University is a flexible Level 8 qualification designed to develop advanced ability to apply science to real-world problems. The programme connects applied science with industries and issues including agriculture, environmental management, conservation, natural resources, transport, communications and related fields.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced postgraduate study in applied science.
• Flexible course selection across several science and applied disciplines.
• Opportunity to combine scientific knowledge with environmental, agricultural, business, tourism and resource-management subjects.
• Ability to study the diploma as a standalone qualification or use it as a pathway towards a relevant master's degree.
• Practical orientation towards applying scientific knowledge to industry and environmental challenges.
• Opportunity to tailor the programme around a student's academic and career interests.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of 120 credits, normally completed over two semesters.

The structure is highly flexible. Students select 120 credits from the schedule associated with the regulations of the relevant master's degree.

The official programme lists the following Semester 1 applied-science courses:

• FINC 603 – Commercial Banking, 20 credits
• MGMT 638 – Agribusiness Organisations, 20 credits
• TOUR 603 – Tourism Management, 20 credits
• SOSC 629 – Soil Physics, 20 credits
• BICH 601 – General Biochemistry, 40 credits
• BICH 636 – Plant Biochemistry, 20 credits
• ECOL 608 – Research Methods in Ecology, 20 credits
• ECOL 609 – Conservation Biology, 20 credits
• ECOL 630 – Advanced Ecology, 20 credits
• ECOL 631 – Animal Behaviour, 20 credits
• MICR 604 – Advanced Microbiology, 20 credits
• RECN 640 – Events and Festivals: Contexts and Concepts, 20 credits
• RECN 604 – Sport, Physical Activity and Fitness, 20 credits
• ERST 601 – Advanced Theory in Resource Studies, 20 credits
• SOCI 601 – Social Science Research Methods (Quantitative), 20 credits
• ERST 604 – Advanced Urban, Regional and Resource Planning, 20 credits
• ERST 609 – Advanced Risk and Resilience, 20 credits
• SOSC 630 – Soil Fertility and Management, 20 credits
• MGMT 615 – Planning and Assessing International Development Projects, 20 credits
• ECON 615 – Applied Research Methods, 20 credits
• MGMT 611 – Management Research Methods, 20 credits
• ERST 606 – Advanced Geographic Information Systems A, 20 credits
• ERST 632 – Economics in Environmental Policy, 20 credits.

Semester 2 options include:

• ERST 636 – Aspects of Sustainability: An International Perspective, 20 credits
• FINC 604 – Finance, Futures and Options, 20 credits
• MGMT 624 – International Agribusiness Systems, 20 credits
• MAST 603 – Mana Kaitiaki (M?ori Resource Management), 20 credits
• RECN 626 – Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism, 20 credits
• TOUR 604 – Tourist Behaviour, 20 credits
• SOSC 628 – Soil Chemistry, 20 credits
• SOSC 627 – Advanced Soil Resources, 20 credits
• BICH 633 – Protein Biochemistry, 20 credits
• BICH 634 – Plant Cell Physiology, 20 credits
• SOCI 602 – Social Science Research Methods (Qualitative), 20 credits
• ERST 624 – Advanced Professional Planning Methods and Practice, 20 credits
• RECN 627 – Advanced Sport and Recreation Management, 20 credits
• PSYC 602 – Advanced Social Psychology of Wellbeing, 20 credits
• ECOL 612 – Wildlife Management, 20 credits
• ECON 602 – International Trade, 20 credits
• ERST 621 – Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment, 20 credits
• WATR 603 – Water Management, Policy and Planning, 20 credits. 

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no fixed named specialisations stated for the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science. Instead, its flexible structure allows students to build a study pathway from approved courses.

Potential academic areas include:

• Applied science
• Agricultural science
• Horticultural science
• Soil science
• Biochemistry
• Ecology
• Conservation biology
• Microbiology
• Environmental management
• Environmental policy and planning
• Natural-resource management
• Water management
• Agribusiness
• International development
• Tourism and recreation
• Economics and finance
• Research methods. 

Programme Highlights

• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science.
• NZQF Level 8.
• 120 credits.
• One year full-time.
• Lincoln University Campus.
• Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry.
• Latest published starts: 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.
• 2026 international fee estimate: NZ$42,000 for 120 credits.
• Flexible course selection.
• Courses span science, agriculture, environmental management, ecology, soil science, biochemistry, agribusiness, tourism, economics and resource management.
• Can be taken as a standalone qualification.
• Can provide a staircase pathway towards a relevant master's degree. 

Career Outcomes

The broad course structure means career outcomes depend substantially on the courses and academic pathway selected.

Potential career areas include:

• Applied science and scientific support roles.
• Agriculture and agricultural technology.
• Soil and land management.
• Environmental management.
• Ecology and conservation.
• Biodiversity and wildlife management.
• Microbiology and biochemistry-related industries.
• Natural-resource management.
• Water management.
• Environmental planning and impact assessment.
• Agribusiness.
• International development.
• Tourism and recreation management.
• Research and technical roles.
• Further postgraduate study and research.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying at Lincoln University in New Zealand must hold a current, valid visa. Lincoln's current guidance states that new students applying for a student visa need:

• An Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, normally a fee receipt.
• Passport.
• Digital photograph.
• Proof of funds for living expenses of NZ$20,000 per year.
• Evidence of funds for travel to the student's home country at the end of study, or an air ticket.
• Visa application fee.

Students may also be asked for:

• Medical certificates or a chest X-ray.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional documentation where the student will be under 18 when study begins.