Postgraduate Certificate in Science

Summary

Boost your career opportunities and extend your knowledge with advanced study in your field of science.

Gain a more in-depth understanding of your scientific subject area and boost your career opportunities with a PGCertSc.

The Certificate will take you one trimester of full-time study to complete, or two trimesters if you study part time. During this time, you can further develop your subject knowledge, data analysis expertise, or skills in science communication. The programme can also provide a pathway into Master’s study.

You’ll take courses worth a total of 60 points, and with some subjects you may be able to do a 30-point research project.

If you want to gain advanced scientific knowledge—and if you have at least a B-average Bachelor’s degree or professional experience in your subject area—then a PGCertSc is a good option for you.

Other study options

If you get a B+ average grade in the PGCertSc, you may be able to convert your programme into a postgraduate diploma or Master’s programme. The University also offers a number of specialist postgraduate diplomas.

If you don’t have the required background for entry into the PGCertSc, you could do a Graduate Diploma in Science instead. The GDipSc is made up of undergraduate- rather than postgraduate-level science courses.

Get the postgraduate handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

Workload

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 hours of work.

Support

As a postgraduate student, you’ll be in smaller classes and will have the opportunity to build closer relationships with academic staff. You’ll have access to a work space in your school with a computer and printer.