Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Summary

Extend your Bachelor's degree with advanced study in your field of science.

Develop science expertise

Postgraduate diplomas are one-year qualifications that allow you develop further skills and expertise in your subject area at postgraduate level.

You’ll take courses in your area of specialisation. You may be able to include a research project.

Further develop your skills in data analysis, and scientific communication. The programme can also provide a pathway into Master’s study.

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

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Who can study for a PGDipSc

The PGDipSc will suit you if you want to:

• take some postgraduate courses to specialise in a subject area relevant to your past study
• build on your skills and knowledge from working in the industry with study at a postgraduate level
• prepare for a Master’s degree.

If you get a B+ average grade in the PGDipSc, you may be able to go on to complete a Master of Science by thesis. That would take one further year of study.

Other study options

There are other study options if the PGDipSc is not right for you.

• If you want to study a shorter qualification then consider the Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc).
• If you aren’t eligible for postgraduate programmes or want to change your area of expertise, then consider the Graduate Diploma in Science (GDipSc).

Browse all of the postgraduate science study options that we offer:

• Postgraduate study—Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Part-time study options

The PGDipSc can be studied part time—for example, studying 20 hours of work a week. You must complete your diploma within four trimesters.

Make sure you take your study hours into account if you are working.

Future careers

Science graduates of all disciplines are found working in business and policy, and have the potential to innovate and lead in a range of sectors.

You could also work in areas such as:

• health
• technology
• scientific innovation
• consulting.

Careers in specific science areas

Browse our career information based on the area of science you want to study your postgraduate diploma in to find out roles and career pathways, where graduates work, and how to built relevant skills or career connections.

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

• Browse postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
• Search scholarships.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Work as a tutor

If you have good subject results for courses in your undergraduate degree, you might be able to work as a tutor. Get in contact with the school to express your interest.

Study with us in Wellington

Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand’s top-ranked university for intensity of high-quality research. Read about our research rankings.

Our Faculty of Science and Engineering is one of New Zealand’s top research institutions, with our own research centres and strong links to many other organisations and universities. [Research centres and institutes—Faculty of Science and Engi...