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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

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.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

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.

Student career planning services

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

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

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.

Taught (120 point) - 3.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA) 

Further Programme Entry Requirements

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 PGDipSci Schedule.

Postgraduate Requirements

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

Other Pathways to Study

Alternatively you must have completed 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 you intend to enrol.

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. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

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

Advice on Programme Limits

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 Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Summer School01 December 202505 January 202618 February 2026
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

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

Regulations

Preamble

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.

Admission

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

or

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.

Duration and Total Points Value

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.

Structure and Content

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.

Research Component

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.

Distinction

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

Variations

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.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

14 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

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

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 120 points for one Specialisation from Postgraduate Diploma in Science Schedule, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Postgraduate Diploma in Science Schedule

Complete one Specialisation from the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map