Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc) is a Level 8 postgraduate qualification designed for students seeking advanced study and professional development in a scientific discipline.
• UC describes it as particularly suitable for students who want professional development in their scientific field or who cannot commit to a longer postgraduate science programme.
• Students develop advanced specialised knowledge in their selected science discipline.
• The qualification can provide a shorter postgraduate pathway before progressing to further postgraduate study.
• With approval, courses completed with a B Grade Point Average or higher can potentially be transferred into the Postgraduate Diploma in Science, Bachelor of Science with Honours, or an appropriate specialised science master's degree.
• UC's Faculty of Science provides opportunities for laboratory, field, computational and research-based learning depending on the selected subject.
• UC's Science environment includes specialist facilities and field-study opportunities. UC notes that its campus is designed for practical exploration, including laboratory, environmental, psychological, geospatial and other scientific activities.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PGCertSc is flexible rather than having one fixed list of compulsory courses.

Students must:

• Complete 60 points.
• Take courses at 400-level.
• Complete at least 45 points in one selected subject.
• Meet the individual course and subject requirements applicable to that discipline.

The current programme page lists these eligible subject areas:

• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Chemistry
• Child and Family Psychology
• Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Ecology
• Economics
• Environmental Science
• Finance
• Finance and Mathematics
• Finance and Statistics
• Financial Engineering
• Geography
• Geology
• Industrial and Organisational Psychology
• Mathematical Physics
• Mathematics
• Mathematics and Philosophy
• Medical Physics
• Medical Physics (Clinical)
• Microbiology
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Psychology
• Speech and Language Sciences
• Statistics.

The exact course titles and topics depend on the selected subject. For example:

• Cellular and Molecular Biology: students complete at least 45 points in 400-level BIOL courses for the major.
• Biochemistry: students complete at least 45 points in 400-level BCHM courses.
• Chemistry: at least 45 points must be from 400-level CHEM courses.
• Ecology: at least 45 points are selected from the relevant 400-level BIOL ecology courses.
• Astronomy: at least 45 points are required from 400-level ASTR courses.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The PGCertSc does not operate as one generic Science curriculum. It allows students to specialise in one of the approved subject areas.

Examples include:

• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Finance
• Geography
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Medical Physics
• Microbiology
• Physics
• Psychology
• Speech and Language Sciences
• Statistics

Programme Highlights

• Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• 60 points.
• 6 months full-time.
• Up to 2 years part-time.
• February and July entry points.
• At least 45 points in one selected Science subject.
• 400-level postgraduate courses.
• Wide choice of scientific disciplines.
• Flexible structure suitable for professional development.
• Potential progression into postgraduate diploma, honours or specialised master's study, subject to approval and requirements.
• Research progression can lead toward a Master of Science or, subsequently, doctoral study in suitable disciplines.
• UC's Science environment supports practical, laboratory, field and research experiences depending on the subject selected.

Career Outcomes

UC states that a postgraduate qualification in a Science subject provides graduates with more advanced specialised knowledge and experience, potentially supporting progression into higher positions in industry. It also positions graduates for further research in their chosen scientific field.

Career possibilities depend heavily on the selected discipline.

Examples can include:

• Scientific and technical roles
• Laboratory-based roles
• Data and analytical roles
• Environmental and ecological roles
• Research roles
• Computing and data-related roles
• Scientific consultancy
• Technical and specialist industry positions
• Further academic/research careers

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• UC's current qualification page is presenting the PGCertSc as an active programme with a 2027 Postgraduate Prospectus.
• The programme remains a 60-point qualification with February/July starts and a six-month full-time duration.
• The formal regulations require 60 points at 400-level or above, with 45 points in one subject.
• Individual subjects can have additional entry requirements, prerequisites or course restrictions.
• Some Science disciplines have specific course combinations, so applicants should confirm their proposed subject before submitting an application.
• Students who wish to progress to another qualification may need to maintain a B Grade Point Average and obtain approval.
• The qualification has a maximum completion period of 24 months.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student travelling to New Zealand to undertake the PGCertSc, the relevant visa is normally the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants must:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Show that they have enough money to pay tuition fees, or have an acceptable scholarship.
• Show sufficient funds for living costs or have an acceptable sponsor.
• Have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Meet the other requirements and conditions of the student visa.