Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyGraduate Diploma in Laboratory Technology
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Graduate Certificate or Diploma
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Christchurch - City Campus
Summary
Our one-year programme has been designed in collaboration with New Zealand employers. It will provide you with specific knowledge, practical skills and relevant analytical techniques for work as a laboratory technician. These skills include critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to interpret results.
You'll learn about laboratory quality management practice and gain reporting skills aligned with international quality standards. You’ll also enhance your ability to work independently and within groups.
Your personal and interpersonal skills—such as punctuality, team work and time management— will be further developed throughout the programme.
The programme can be studied full-time (1 year) or part time (up to 3 years).
If you have any questions about the programme please contact the programme leader sciencesocialpractice@ara.ac.nz
To be eligible for a work-integrated learning placement in a medical laboratory in New Zealand, you must provide evidence of immunity or vaccination for specified infectious diseases at your own expense. Supplying documentation and completing health screening does not guarantee placement. See the documents section for more details.
Please note: this programme will only proceed if there are sufficient enrolments.
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsA Bachelor’s degree in science or recent relevant experience
Alternative RequirementsStill want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
- If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
- Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 6.5 Listening
- 6.0 Reading
- 6.0 Writing
- 6.5 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.
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