Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Graduate Diploma in Science provides graduates who already hold a bachelor's degree with an opportunity to gain substantial study in science, even if their original degree was in an unrelated area.
• It can be used to change career direction or add science knowledge and skills to an existing qualification.
• It is also designed as a pathway into further postgraduate study in science, including the Master of Science.
• Students can build advanced knowledge in a chosen science subject while completing at least 90 points at 300-level.
• The qualification provides flexibility because students can select from a broad range of science disciplines offered by UC.
• UC states that postgraduate study can provide specialist skills, enhanced knowledge, access to particular occupations, research capability and opportunities for career progression.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

Students must complete at least 120 points of approved science courses.

The qualification regulations require:

• Minimum 120 points.
• Minimum 90 points at 300-level.
• Minimum 60 points in a single subject.

The current approved subject areas are:

1. Astronomy
2. Biochemistry
3. Biological Sciences
4. Chemistry
5. Computer Science
6. Data Science
7. Economics
8. Finance
9. Geography
10. Geology
11. Linguistics
12. Mathematics
13. Medicinal Chemistry
14. Philosophy
15. Physics
16. Psychology
17. Statistics

Examples of the type of subject-specific study available include:

• Biological Sciences: biological systems, organisms, ecology, evolution and related scientific areas.
• Chemistry: chemical theory, laboratory science and advanced chemistry.
• Computer Science: computing, software and computational methods.
• Data Science: data analysis, programming and data-driven methods.
• Geography: physical and human geography and spatial analysis.
• Geology: Earth processes, geological materials, natural hazards and environmental applications.
• Mathematics: advanced mathematical theory and applications.
• Physics: physical laws, mathematical modelling and experimental science.
• Psychology: psychological theory, research and human behaviour.
• Statistics: statistical theory, data analysis and quantitative methods.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The formal regulations state that there are no majors or minors for the Graduate Diploma in Science.

However, students can build their qualification around a particular subject by completing at least 60 points in that subject.

Available subject areas include:

• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Economics
• Finance
• Geography
• Geology
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Psychology
• Statistics.

Programme Highlights

• 120-point Graduate Diploma.
• Designed for graduates who want to enter science from another academic background.
• 1 year full-time.
• Up to 5 years part-time.
• February start, with July available for some subjects.
• Minimum 90 points at 300-level.
• Minimum 60 points in one subject.
• 17 approved subject areas.
• No formal majors or minors.
• Can support a change of career direction.
• Can provide preparation for postgraduate science study.
• Potential pathway to qualifications such as the Master of Science.
• Access to UC's broad range of science disciplines and research environment. 

Career Outcomes

The qualification is particularly useful for students seeking to add science expertise to a previous degree or change professional direction.

Career possibilities depend strongly on the subject selected.

Examples include:

• Data and analytics roles through Data Science or Statistics.
• Software and computing-related roles through Computer Science.
• Laboratory and scientific roles through Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biological Sciences.
• Environmental and geological roles through Geography or Geology.
• Quantitative roles through Mathematics or Statistics.
• Research-related employment.
• Science and technology industries.
• Government and policy organisations.
• Education and science communication, where the relevant additional qualifications are obtained.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current UC regulations published for the Graduate Diploma in Science are the applicable qualification regulations and specify:

• 120 points.
• At least 90 points at 300-level.
• At least 60 points in one subject.
• 17 approved subject areas.
• No majors or minors.
• Maximum completion period of 60 months.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to study this programme.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the Fee Paying Student Visa:

• Costs from NZD $850.
• Can allow a stay of up to 4 years.
• Has 80% of applications processed within 8 weeks.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of an applicable scholarship.
• Requires sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Requires applicants to meet health and character requirements.
• Requires genuine intentions to study.
• Requires evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.