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Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The GradDipSci provides you with an opportunity to choose a second major, extend the field of study you chose for your Bachelor of Science degree, or continue to learn from another discipline at undergraduate level within the Faculty of Science. The GradDipSci also provides a pathway to enter into further study at postgraduate level.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Because science plays a vital role in addressing the key issues that confront us and future generations, studying Science opens up a wide range of career opportunities. If you have been away from study for a while, the GradDipSci provides an opportunity to learn about new developments in your field of expertise.

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

You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) and passed first-year courses in your intended specialisation.

A GPA/GPE of at least 3.0 is strongly recommended. 

Further Programme Entry Requirements

English language requirements

You will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency if you are: 

  • An international applicant whose first language is not English 
  • A domestic applicant under 20 years of age whose first language is not English

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no bands less than 5.5.  See alternative English language requirements. 

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.

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 graduate 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 graduate diploma, a student must have:

a either

(i) completed the requirements for any degree from this University, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

or

(ii) demonstrated practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is approved by Senate or its representative as equivalent to that specified in 1a(i) above

and

b attained a level of preparation appropriate to the selected major for the Graduate Diploma in Science as approved by the relevant Programme Director or nominee.

2 A student may, if Senate or its representative gives approval, enrol for this graduate diploma without having fulfilled the requirements of Regulation 1b, provided that the student completes any prerequisite courses as part of or in addition to the normal requirements of this programme.

3 With the approval of Senate or its representative, a student who needs only 30 points to complete the Bachelor of Science may enrol concurrently for this graduate diploma and those remaining points, provided that the graduate diploma will not be awarded until such qualifying degree is completed.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 a A student enrolled for this graduate diploma must follow a programme equivalent of two full-time semesters and pass courses with a total value of 120 points.

b The requirements for a Graduate Diploma in Science must be completed within four years of initial enrolment.

c In all cases, the semester of initial enrolment is deemed to be the first semester in which the student enrolled for a course which is assigned or reassigned to the programme.

d In exceptional circumstances the relevant Academic Head may increase the duration allowed for enrolment for a period not normally exceeding two consecutive semesters.

Structure and Content

5 Of the 120 points required for this graduate diploma a student must pass:

a at least 75 points above Stage II, from the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Honours) Schedules

and

b at least 60 points from a major listed in the Bachelor of Science Schedule, including the Stage III courses required for that major.

6 The programme for this graduate diploma may include a research project in a subject for which the student is approved by the Academic Head or nominee as suitably qualified.

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.

8 The programme for each student requires the approval of the relevant Head of Department, Director of School or equivalent prior to enrolment.

9 Cross-credits will not be granted toward the Graduate Diploma in Science.

Research Component

10 a A research project, when included in the programme, is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by Senate or its representative on the recommendation of the relevant Academic Head.

b The research project topic must be approved by the relevant Academic Head prior to enrolment.

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

Variations

11 In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme which does not conform to these regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

12 These regulations have been amended with effect from 1 January 2023.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student requires the approval of the relevant Head of Department, Director of School or equivalent prior to enrolment.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 120 points for one Major from Majors, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Majors

Complete one Major 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