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Quick Facts

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Overview

Programme Overview

The PGDipForensic is an advanced qualification designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in science or technology related topics. It provides graduates with specialised knowledge and skills in the field of forensic science.

Taught at the School of Chemical Sciences, the PGDipForensic covers a broad range of topics from DNA analysis to the development of new molecules to aid in the visualisation of fingerprint residues. Students will learn about forensic data, chemical analysis, forensic biology and the statistical treatment of forensic data.

Programme Structure

The PGDipForensic programme is a 120-point taught diploma that involves one year of full-time study, with a part-time option available (up to four years of study).

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Science postgraduate pathway (117KB, PDF)

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

The PGDipForensic prepares graduates for employment in the forensic science field.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Document examiner
  • ESR technician
  • Fingerprint examiner
  • Forensic geologist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Laboratory technician
  • Pharmaceutical representative

Further Study Options

MSc - Master of Science

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

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

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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) - 3.5 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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 a Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

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 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 3.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

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.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 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.

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

Structure and Content

6 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must complete the requirements as listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science Schedule.

7 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.

Distinction

8 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Variations

9 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

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

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 105 points from Forensic Science Courses, and
  • 15 points from UOFAK - University of Auckland including child orgs at levels 600 to 700 Other Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Forensic Science Courses

Complete exactly 105 points from the following:

Other Courses

Select 15 credits from University of Auckland at levels 600 to 700.

Selected courses must be approved.

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

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