Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop practical skills for laboratory and applied science workplaces.

• Gain knowledge across chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, statistics and laboratory practice.

• Learn quality-assurance, health-and-safety and workplace compliance procedures.

• Build skills in scientific measurement, sample handling, data analysis and reporting.

• Progress to the New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6) or a bachelor’s degree in a range of science-related disciplines.

• UCOL identifies industry connections including Fonterra, AgResearch, NZ Pharmaceuticals and Gribbles.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme contains eight 15-credit courses, totalling 120 credits:

• Professional Skills in Science – workplace communication, health and safety, hazard management, legislative requirements and use of computing technology for data analysis.

• Quality Assurance in Applied Science – quality systems, industry-specific standards and quality practices in laboratories and other organisations.

• Practical Laboratory Skills – laboratory procedures, scientific instruments, measurement, sample handling, tracking and safe working practices.

• Chemistry for Applied Science – chemical elements and compounds, redox behaviour, acid-base properties, bonding, reactivity and practical chemistry.

• Statistical Analysis for Applied Science – scientific data reporting, statistical software, probability distributions and introductory statistical inference.

• Microbiology in Industry – microorganisms, bacterial enumeration and identification, cultivation, growth and microbial control.

• Organic Chemistry for Applied Science – organic compounds, functional groups, chemical reactions, biomolecules and practical organic chemistry.

• Biochemistry for Applied Science – biological molecules, extraction and purification of biological materials, and product-safety considerations.

Disciplines / Specialisations

• Applied science.

• Laboratory science and practical laboratory techniques.

• Chemistry and organic chemistry.

• Microbiology.

• Biochemistry.

• Statistical analysis and scientific data reporting.

• Quality assurance in laboratory and industry settings.

Programme Highlights

• Practical laboratory learning alongside scientific theory.

• Training in laboratory safety, measurement, sample handling and quality assurance.

• Exposure to chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry and statistical methods.

• Blended learning with face-to-face and online components.

• Industry links identified by UCOL include Fonterra, AgResearch, NZ Pharmaceuticals and Gribbles.

• UCOL recommends strong attendance to support successful completion.

• Availability of particular elective courses may depend on sufficient student enrolments; not all electives are necessarily offered in every intake.

Career Outcomes

UCOL identifies potential entry-level opportunities in science and technology-related fields, including:

• Laboratory work in manufacturing industries.

• Laboratory work in regulatory industries.

• Research and development support.

• Routine laboratory operations and related science roles.

• Further study in applied science or other science-related disciplines.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The official programme page currently publishes February and July 2027 intakes.

• The qualification supersedes the former National Diploma in Science, which is no longer offered.

• Full attendance is strongly recommended.

• Elective availability depends on sufficient enrolments.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), including cross credit, credit transfer and assessment of prior learning, may be considered case by case.

• Students should prepare an internet-capable device for independent study. Campus computers are available outside scheduled classes.

• Additional programme-related costs are estimated at approximately NZD 195 or more. Published examples include covered footwear from NZD 15, hair net or hair ties from NZD 10, a scientific calculator costing NZD 34–130, and stationery costing approximately NZD 30.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to study this full-time programme.

Key requirements and conditions published by Immigration New Zealand:

• Offer of place: an offer from an approved education provider, such as UCOL.

• Tuition fees: evidence that the required tuition fees have been paid, or that the student has a scholarship or other acceptable arrangement to cover them.

• Living funds: for tertiary study lasting one year or longer, students generally need to show NZD 20,000 for each year of study, or an acceptable sponsor.

• Outward travel: evidence of a ticket out of New Zealand or sufficient additional funds to purchase one. This is separate from the required living funds.

• Insurance: acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period from the start of the course until the visa expires.

• Health and character: applicants must meet Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements.

• Genuine study purpose: applicants must demonstrate a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand and satisfy the other visa requirements.

• Attendance and progress: students already holding a student visa must meet applicable attendance and course-progress requirements.

• Work rights: the visa may allow eligible students to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to the conditions printed on their individual visa.

• Visa length: the visa may be granted for up to four years, but its actual duration depends on the study and other visa circumstances.

• Application timing: Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.