PGDipSci - Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule/Programme Rules
Graduate Profile

Pursue advanced study in your specialist area with the Postgraduate Diploma in Science. Extend your knowledge with coursework or try a project or dissertation as part of your diploma – the option is yours. The PGDipSci offers a pathway toward masters and doctoral study.

The PGDipSci programme involves one year of full-time study, or up to four years of part-time study, after you have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Because science plays a vital role in addressing the key issues that confront us and future generations, studying the sciences opens up a wide range of career opportunities.

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

button for easy access to information about study this qualification

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2027 Semester One	08 December 2026	01 March 2027	28 June 2027
2027 Semester Two	04 July 2027	19 July 2027	15 November 2027

1 - 2

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

The Semester One application closing dates for these specific specialisations are as follows:

Psychology: 1 December

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 in the University Calendar and the related Programme and Course Limitations and selection criteria.

University of Auckland qualification

The minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually, and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Some specialisations require higher grades.

3.0 - Grade Point Average - Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

You must have completed a Bachelor of Science in your intended specialisation with a GPA of 3.0. Some specialisations may require you to have completed specific courses in your undergraduate degree, you can find these in the Schedule/Programme rules tab.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.5 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

For more information about the requirements and English proficiency tests, please see Postgraduate English language requirements.

Tertiary qualification from another institution

3.0 - Grade Point Equivalent - an undergraduate degree in science

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in science at a recognised university (or similar institution) in your intended specialisation with a GPE of 3.0. Some specialisations may require you to have completed specific courses in your undergraduate degree.

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information see External transfer of credit.

If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

Please note that while regulations and course outlines for future academic years may be displayed or made available in advance, they remain subject to change. Official, final approved programme regulations for the upcoming academic year will be available when the University Calendar is published in late October of the preceding year. Any information available prior to Calendar publication should be treated as provisional.

The regulations for this postgraduate diploma are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

1 In order to be admitted to this postgraduate diploma, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, and a major or specialisation in the subject for the specialisation for which they intend to enrol, or have equivalent prior study

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a major or specialisation in the subject for the specialisation for which they intend to enrol.

2 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances, the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

4 With the approval of the Programme Director, a student may enrol for this postgraduate diploma without having fulfilled all the prerequisite requirements. A student may be required to enrol in any or all of the prerequisite courses not already passed in addition to the normal requirements of this programme.

Notes:

(i) This programme includes some specialisations that are limited entry as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

(ii) Equivalent qualifications may include the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Optometry, Bachelor of Planning, Bachelor of Urban Planning or Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours).

(iii) Relevant majors or specialisations may include applied mathematics, bioinformatics, biological sciences, biomedical science, biosecurity, conservation, biotechnology, chemistry, clinical exercise physiology, computer science, earth sciences, environmental management, environmental science, exercise sciences, food science, geography, geology, geophysics, green chemical science, logic and computation, marine science, mathematics, medical statistics, optometry, pharmacology, physics, physiology, psychology, speech science, statistics or wine science.

5 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

6 The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

7 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must complete the requirements for one of the specialisations listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Science Schedule.

8 A dissertation or research project of up to 45 points may be included as listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Science Schedule.

9 Courses selected for this qualification are subject to confirmation by the relevant Academic Head or nominee.

10 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

11 a A dissertation or research project, when included in the programme, is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The dissertation or research project topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation or research project is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

12 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

13 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.