Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology is a short postgraduate qualification designed for students who already have an appropriate science, technology or engineering background.
• It provides 60 credits of 700-level taught postgraduate study and can be completed in one semester full-time.
• The qualification allows students to build or update advanced knowledge in a selected science, technology or engineering subject without committing immediately to a full postgraduate diploma or master's degree.
• Massey states that successful PGCertScTech study may provide a pathway into a related Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology or master's degree, depending on the student's academic performance and the courses completed.
• The programme is available to international students either studying on campus in New Zealand or studying online from outside New Zealand.
• Its broad course schedule allows students to construct a programme around areas such as agriculture, plant biology, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, statistics, health sciences, engineering, environmental science, horticulture, agronomy and other science and technology disciplines.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification requires:

• 60 credits in total.
• Courses must be selected from approved 700-level taught postgraduate courses.
• The courses must fall within the subject prefixes approved for the PGCertScTech.

Examples of subject areas available within the approved schedule include:

• Plant biology
• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Plant health
• Agriculture and horticulture
• Agriscience
• Biology
• Genetics
• Ecology
• Zoology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Computer science
• Information technology
• Engineering and technology
• Environmental science
• Natural resource management
• Health sciences
• Nutritional science
• Sport and exercise science
• Earth science
• Nanoscience
• Industrial innovation
• Logistics and supply chain management.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The PGCertScTech is formally awarded without a specialisation.

However, the broad course schedule allows students to construct their 60-credit programme around an intended postgraduate subject. Possible academic areas include:

• Agriculture and agribusiness
• Plant biology
• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Plant health
• Biology and genetics
• Ecology and environmental sciences
• Chemistry and biochemistry
• Computer science and information technology
• Mathematics and statistics
• Engineering and technology
• Health sciences
• Natural resource management
• Earth science
• Sport and exercise science
• Food/nutritional sciences
• Industrial innovation.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• 60 credits.
• Six months full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• Auckland and Manawat? campus options, plus distance/online study where individual courses permit.
• Open to international students studying on campus in New Zealand or online outside New Zealand.
• Broad selection of science, technology, engineering, agriculture, health and environmental subject areas.
• Can provide a pathway towards a related postgraduate diploma or master's degree, subject to academic achievement and the courses completed.
• The qualification is particularly useful where a student needs postgraduate-level study in a particular science or technology subject before progressing to a higher qualification.

Career Outcomes

Because the PGCertScTech can be constructed from different subject areas, career outcomes depend heavily on the courses selected and the student's previous qualification and professional experience.

Potential areas of application include:

• Agriculture and agribusiness
• Horticulture
• Plant science and plant health
• Environmental and natural resource management
• Laboratory and biological sciences
• Data, statistics and quantitative analysis
• Information technology and computer science
• Engineering and technology
• Health-related science
• Research support and technical roles
• Science and technology management.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current qualification: Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology, PGCertScTech.
• Current level: NZQF Level 8.
• Current credit requirement: 60 credits.
• Current full-time duration: 6 months/one semester.
• Current locations: Auckland, Manawat? and distance/online, subject to course availability.
• The qualification is awarded without a formal specialisation.
• Not every course in the approved schedule is offered every year.
• Individual courses can have prerequisites and may require laboratories, workshops, field trips or other contact activities.
• Verified academic transcripts are required for studies completed at universities other than Massey.
• A student seeking progression to a postgraduate diploma or master's qualification should select courses carefully because progression depends on both academic achievement and the mix of courses completed.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student coming to New Zealand for on-campus PGCertScTech study would generally use the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to have:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Compliance with health and character requirements.
• Genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.