Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (PGDipScTech) is a taught postgraduate qualification designed for students who already have a relevant science background and want to develop advanced knowledge before progressing to research-based master's study.
• It is particularly suitable for students who have an undergraduate science degree, are interested in postgraduate study but do not yet have a research background, and prefer a predominantly taught postgraduate programme.
• Massey describes the qualification as a pathway into more in-depth research at master's level. Successful students may be able to progress to the Master of Science, with credits potentially recognised towards the master's qualification, subject to the relevant master's entry and credit requirements.
• The programme provides considerable flexibility because students can choose an endorsement/specialisation or, with prior College of Sciences approval, construct a coherent programme without an endorsement.
• Several science areas can be studied through distance and online learning, making the qualification potentially suitable for students who are outside New Zealand. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The PGDipScTech is deliberately flexible rather than having one fixed set of subjects for every student.

The current structure is:

Endorsement route:

• 75 credits from one selected endorsement
• 15 credits from the Schedule
• 30 elective credits

No-endorsement route:

• 90 credits from the Schedule
• 30 elective credits
• Prior College of Sciences approval is required.

Elective/Schedule options currently displayed include:

• 119791 Special Topic – 15 credits
• 119792 Special Topic – 15 credits
• 247783 Special Topic – 15 credits
• 247792 Special Topic – 15 credits
• 247793 Special Topic – 15 credits
• 502701 Workplace-based Learning in the Sciences – 60 credits
• 502702 Extended Workplace-based Learning in the Sciences – 60 credits

Disciplines / Specialisations

The current PGDipScTech offers the following endorsement/specialisation options:

1. Agricultural Science
2. Animal Science
3. Biological Sciences
4. Earth Science
5. Ecology and Conservation
6. Horticultural Science
7. Plant Breeding
8. Psychology
9. Zoology
10. Without Specialisation

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification
• 120-credit programme
• Normally completed in one year full-time
• Part-time study available
• Flexible subject selection
• Multiple science specialisations
• Option to study without a specialisation with College of Sciences approval
• On-campus and distance/online options depending on the subject
• Suitable for students seeking a predominantly taught postgraduate science qualification
• Can provide a pathway towards research-based master's study
• Massey specifically identifies the Master of Science as a possible subsequent qualification.
• Some science areas provide access to specialised facilities and research expertise. For example, the Biological Sciences pathway highlights facilities including the Manawat? Microscopy and Imaging Centre, Massey Genome Service, microbiology and cell-culture facilities, plant-growth facilities and specialist biochemical/genomics equipment. 

Career Outcomes

Career outcomes depend substantially on the chosen specialisation.

Potential career directions can include:

• Agricultural science
• Animal science
• Biological and life sciences
• Ecology and conservation
• Environmental and earth sciences
• Horticultural science
• Plant breeding and crop science
• Psychology-related fields
• Zoology and biodiversity
• Scientific and technical roles
• Research support and laboratory-related positions
• Science-based industry and government roles
• Further postgraduate research

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current qualification remains a 120-credit NZQF Level 8 postgraduate diploma.
• Massey's current page confirms that the qualification is open to international students on campus in New Zealand or online outside New Zealand.
• Course availability can change from year to year; Massey explicitly warns that not all listed course options are offered every year.
• Some distance courses may contain compulsory contact workshops.
• Some courses may be offered in block mode.
• Students selecting the no-specialisation route require prior approval of a coherent programme from the College of Sciences.
• Applicants must meet any individual course prerequisites in addition to the overall qualification admission requirements.
• The qualification regulations require at least 120 credits at 700 level.
• 2027 programme-specific intake information: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.
• IPU-specific PGDipScTech admission or articulation information: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU. The supplied IPU programme link currently relates to the Master of Global Business, while IPU's current programme directory lists the Master of Global Business and notes that its Master of Contemporary International Studies is no longer accepting new enrolments.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying this qualification on campus in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Cost: from NZD 850
• Maximum stay: up to 4 years
• Processing: 80% within 8 weeks
• Applications are submitted online.
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before intended travel.

Students generally need:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, or an applicable scholarship
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance
• Evidence of good health and character where required
• Genuine intention to study
• Evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay
• Passport and other supporting documentation
• Medical examination/chest X-ray or police certificates where applicable.

Living-fund requirement:

• For tertiary study of one year or longer: NZD 20,000 per year
• For study shorter than one year: NZD 1,667 per month.

Work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study.
• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on the student's visa.
• Students should check their individual visa conditions rather than assuming work rights automatically apply.