Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Diploma in Science (DipSc) is a one-year qualification designed to let students study a broad range of science subjects and develop scientific knowledge and skills.
• Students can select courses ranging from beginner to advanced level, allowing them to explore different scientific areas before committing to a longer degree pathway.
• The qualification can be used as a pathway into UC's Bachelor of Science, with completed courses potentially transferable to the BSc provided the student has not already graduated with the Diploma.
• UC highlights opportunities to develop scientific theory and practical skills, including learning that can extend from laboratory-based work to field-based study.
• Depending on the courses selected, students may develop skills relevant to programming, agriculture, science, research and other fields. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification consists of:

• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me – compulsory, 15 points.
• Up to 105 additional points selected from approved subject areas.

Current subject options listed by UC include:

• Accounting
• Antarctic Studies
• Astronomy
• Audiology
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Biosecurity
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Economics
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Finance
• Financial Engineering
• Forestry Science
• Geography
• Geology
• Health Sciences
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Product Design
• Psychology
• Science
• Science, M?ori and Indigenous Knowledge
• Speech and Language Pathology
• Soil Science
• Statistics
• Water Science and Management.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal majors or minors in the Diploma in Science.

Instead, students construct their 120-point programme using approved courses from the available subject areas. The flexibility makes it possible to build a study plan around interests such as:

• Computer Science and Data Science
• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Biological and Environmental Sciences
• Mathematics, Physics and Statistics
• Psychology
• Geography and Geology
• Astronomy
• Health Sciences
• Engineering-related study
• Forestry and Soil Science
• Water Science and Management
• Maori and Indigenous Knowledge. 

Programme Highlights

• 120-point undergraduate Diploma.
• NZQF Level 5 qualification.
• Can be completed in 1 year full-time.
• Part-time completion is possible for up to 6 years.
• February and July entry points.
• Broad selection of science and science-related subjects.
• Includes the compulsory 15-point SCIE101 course.
• Allows up to 105 points from approved subject areas.
• Campus and distance-learning options are available depending on courses.
• Can provide a pathway into the Bachelor of Science, with eligible completed courses transferable to the BSc before graduation from the Diploma.

Career Outcomes

The Diploma is particularly useful as a foundation or pathway qualification rather than as a narrowly specialised professional qualification.

Depending on the subjects and courses selected, students can develop knowledge relevant to areas such as:

• Programming and computing
• Data and statistics
• Agriculture and environmental work
• Laboratory and scientific work
• Research support
• Science-related technical roles
• Further study toward a Bachelor of Science.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The Diploma in Science is currently a Level 5, 120-point qualification according to NZQA, and its status is current.
• UC's current 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus includes the Diploma in Science and confirms the broad subject-selection structure.
• SCIE101 is the compulsory course and is currently listed with both campus and distance-learning delivery options.
• There are no formal majors or minors for the Diploma.
• Transfer into the Bachelor of Science is possible subject to UC's credit-transfer and programme requirements.
• The current Diploma programme page directs students to postgraduate English requirements despite the qualification being undergraduate Level 5. This should be confirmed with UC before an international student relies on the listed English threshold.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to study the Diploma in Science in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the visa requires, among other things:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment or an applicable scholarship arrangement.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs.
• Evidence of appropriate insurance.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase onward travel.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Demonstrating genuine intentions to study.