Why Study/Key Benefits

The Without Specialisation – Graduate Certificate in Science and Technology (GCertScTech) is a flexible 60-credit graduate qualification designed for students who already hold a relevant tertiary qualification and want to update or broaden their knowledge in science or technology without completing another bachelor's degree. Massey describes it as a useful pathway for progressing into postgraduate study in a different science-related subject from the student's first degree. Substantial senior-level industry experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Some courses can be studied by distance, allowing students to combine study with employment or other commitments. Credits completed may potentially be credited towards a bachelor's degree if they meet that degree's regulations.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The qualification is deliberately flexible rather than built around one fixed set of subjects.

The current Without Specialisation structure provides 60 credits from 200- and 300-level courses. The majority of available courses are drawn from the Bachelor of Science and its majors.

The available subject prefixes include:

• Agribusiness
• Animal Science
• Agriculture and Horticulture
• Plant Biology
• Environmental Science
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Agricultural Engineering
• Food Technology
• Rehabilitation Studies
• Nutritional Science
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Biology
• Psychology
• Natural Resource Management
• Soil Science
• Physiology
• Ecology
• Zoology
• Genetics
• Health Sciences
• Building and Construction
• Technology and Engineering
• Public Health
• Earth Science
• Sport and Exercise Science
• M?ori Resource and Environmental Management
• Natural Sciences
• College of Sciences
• Health
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Process and Environmental Technology
• Electronics and Information Engineering
• Mechatronics and Automation Engineering
• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Plant Health
• Equine

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected programme is specifically Without Specialisation.

The wider Graduate Certificate in Science and Technology currently has two listed pathways:

• Without Specialisation
• Lighting

For Without Specialisation, students can construct a programme from the approved science and technology course schedule rather than committing to a single named major.

Programme Highlights

Key features of the qualification include:

• 60-credit qualification that can be completed full-time in 6 months.
• Flexible course selection rather than a single fixed curriculum.
• Access to a broad range of science and technology disciplines.
• At least 45 of the 60 credits from the standard schedule must be at 300 level or higher.
• Designed for graduates wanting to move into a different science or technology area.
• Can provide a pathway towards postgraduate study.
• Some completed courses may potentially be credited towards a bachelor's degree where regulations permit.
• Senior-level professional experience can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Some courses are available through distance/online study.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.

Career Outcomes

Because this is a flexible, non-specialised qualification, Massey does not publish a fixed list of occupations specifically associated with the Without Specialisation pathway.

Career outcomes will depend heavily on the student's previous bachelor's degree, selected courses and professional experience. The qualification is particularly relevant for upskilling, changing direction within science/technology and preparing for further postgraduate study.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current official programme information confirms:

• NZQF Level 7 classification.
• 60-credit requirement.
• 6-month full-time duration.
• Part-time study is available.
• Auckland, Manawat? and distance/online delivery are listed for the qualification.
• International students may study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• The standard Without Specialisation schedule requires no more than 15 credits at 200 level and at least 45 credits at 300 level or higher.
• Course prerequisites may apply.
• Verified academic transcripts are required for studies completed at universities other than Massey.
• Substantial senior-level industry experience can be considered case-by-case.
• Massey warns that course offerings can change, so students should check the current course availability and regulations before enrolment. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this qualification physically in New Zealand generally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

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

• costs from NZD $850;
• can allow study for up to 4 years;
• requires an offer of place from an approved education provider;
• requires evidence of tuition funding or an applicable scholarship;
• requires evidence of living-cost funds or an acceptable sponsor;
• requires acceptable medical and travel insurance;
• requires applicants to satisfy health and character requirements;
• requires a genuine intention to study;
• requires evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.