Why Study/Key Benefits

The Certificate in Science (CertSc) is designed for students who want to study science at university level without committing immediately to a full bachelor's degree. It can also suit students who want to study part-time or take university science courses for personal or academic interest.

Key benefits include:

• A short, 60-point university-level science qualification.
• Can be completed in six months full-time.
• Can be studied part-time for up to six years.
• Access to a broad selection of Science and science-related subjects.
• Opportunity to explore a science area before committing to a full Bachelor of Science.
• Credits can be transferred into the Bachelor of Science and some other UC degrees, provided the student has not already graduated with the Certificate.
• Can provide a pathway towards the Bachelor of Science.
• Students can select courses according to their specific science interests.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Certificate in Science consists of 60 points of 100- and/or 200-level courses from Bachelor of Science subjects.

The current UC programme page lists the following principal subjects:

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

UC also identifies other science-related courses that can count towards the certificate, including:

• Audiology
• Antarctic Studies
• Biosecurity
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Forestry
• Health
• Product Design
• Science, M?ori and Indigenous Knowledge
• Soil Science
• Speech and Language Pathology
• Water Science and Management.

The programme can therefore cover topics such as:

• Astronomy and space science
• Biological sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer science
• Environmental science
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Statistics
• Data science
• Geography and geology
• Finance and economics
• Medicinal chemistry
• Linguistics
• Water science and management.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The Certificate in Science does not operate like a bachelor's degree with a large set of formal majors.

UC states that the certificate can be awarded in one Science subject.

Possible subject areas include:

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

Programme Highlights

• 60-point undergraduate qualification.
• Six months full-time.
• Up to six years part-time.
• February and July starts.
• Four courses at 100- and/or 200-level.
• Can be awarded in one Science subject.
• Wide choice of Science and related subjects.
• Possible pathway into the Bachelor of Science.
• Certificate credits can potentially be transferred to the BSc and some other UC degrees.
• Suitable for students wanting to explore university-level Science before committing to a full bachelor's degree.
• Can also be used for part-time or interest-based study.

Career Outcomes

The Certificate in Science is primarily a short undergraduate qualification and should not be regarded as equivalent to a completed Bachelor of Science for professional employment purposes.

UC's Science career information indicates that science study can lead into areas such as:

• Seismology
• Soil science and soil technology
• Meteorology
• Marine biology
• Psychology
• Policy
• Software engineering
• Science writing
• Forensic analysis
• Food technology.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current UC CertSc page is publishing 2027 undergraduate information and currently specifies:

• 60 points.
• Semester 1 or 2 entry.
• February or July start.
• Six months full-time.
• Up to six years part-time.
• 100- and/or 200-level courses.
• One Science subject for the certificate.
• Four courses in the standard/example structure.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the Certificate in Science in New Zealand will generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa if they are undertaking full-time study and do not have another visa allowing study.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an applicable scholarship.
• Have sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Declare that they will have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Demonstrate genuine intentions to study.
• Meet requirements concerning departure from New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.