Expand your undergraduate knowledge
The Graduate Certificate in Science (GCertSc) is made up of 60 points of study at 200 and 300 level. Explore a new subject and tailor your chosen courses to your career goals or area of specialisation.
If you’re already working in an industry, the GCertSc is a great way to enhance your knowledge of the most recent developments in your area.
The GCertSc can also prepare you for more advanced study at postgraduate level—for example, in the Master of Science.
Who can study for this qualification
If you’ve completed a Bachelor’s degree and want to learn about a new subject, the GCertSc is a good way to expand your knowledge.
If you’re already working in an industry, you can use the GCertSc to get up to speed with the latest changes in your field.
What you’ll learn
Choose from more than 20 different science subjects to match your interests and career goals.
In the GCertSc you’ll take 60 points worth of courses above 100 level. Depending on the subject, you’ll take either three 20-point courses or four 15-point courses.
You can structure the GCertSc as a general science qualification, or you can choose to specialise in a specific subject.
Available specialisations
- Actuarial Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Cell and Molecular Bioscience
- Chemistry
- Climate Science
- Computer Graphics and Games
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Development Studies
- Earth Science
- Ecology and Biodiversity
- Electronic and Computer Systems
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Information Systems
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychological Science
- Science Communication
- Space Science
- Statistics.
How you’ll study
You can complete the GCertSc in one trimester of full-time study, although in some subjects it may take longer.
Some people may also need to do preparatory studies, which will make their study take longer.
Part-time study options
If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time over two or more trimesters.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours work.
Make sure you take this into account if you’re balancing work or other commitments.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed secondary school in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the GCertSc shall have:
(i) completed a degree of this university or, at the discretion of the Associate Dean, Academic (Undergraduate) of the Faculty of Science, another university; and
(ii) been accepted by the relevant head of school or nominee as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived or varied by the associate dean for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the GCertSc
2. (a) The course of study for the certificate shall be a coherent programme approved by the associate dean on the recommendation of the relevant head of school. The course of study shall consist of courses worth at least 60 points above 100 level from the BSc Schedule including at least 40 points at 300 level.
(b) A candidate may substitute courses from other programmes offered at this university up to a value of 20 points for the GCertSc.
(c) A candidate for the GCertSc may obtain a specialisation, provided that at least 45 points from their course of study is drawn from the 200- and 300-level requirements of the corresponding major subject specified in section 2 of the BSc regulations.
(d) At the discretion of the associate dean, courses passed for a Certificate of Proficiency may be credited to the certificate.
3. (a) A candidate for the GCertSc shall normally be enrolled for at least one trimester and shall complete the requirements of the certificate within two years of first enrolling in it.
(b) The associate dean may extend the maximum period in (a) in special cases.
Note: The actual time taken to complete the certificate or diploma will depend on the need to pass prerequisites and the timetabling of courses. It may not always be possible to complete a specialisation in the minimum time.
4. A candidate who has been awarded the GCertSc may transfer to the GDipSc the courses credited to the certificate, provided that the certificate is abandoned.
Specialisations in the GCertSc
You can complete the GCertSc with a specialisation in one subject, or gain a more general overview by completing the certificate without a specialisation.
Specialisations and requirements
Explore your options below.
GCertSc subjects
Actuarial Science
Artificial Intelligence
Biotechnology
Cell and Molecular Bioscience
Climate Science
Computer Science
Data Science
Development Studies
Earth Science
Ecology and Biodiversity
Electronic / Computer Systems
Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
Marine Biology
Psychological Science
Science Communication
Space Science
21 of 23 major subjects shown
Change filtersNo matching majors found.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Your teachers are active scientists and world experts in areas such green energy, geo-hazards, global warming, space science, human geography, volcanology, artificial intelligence, drug development, and viral diseases.
Affiliated centres and institutes
Major research centres and institutes are affiliated with our Faculty of Science and Engineering, including:
Future careers
The GCertSc can be the first step towards a career where you might develop new technologies, treat diseases, or protect the environment.
You can work in an entry-level job after the GCertSc. A postgraduate qualification gives you access to a more senior starting point in your career.
The types of role you might get depend on the main subject you focus your study on.
More career information
Find out more about careers in science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
The available scholarships include specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science
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The award provides financial support to returning or transferring Pasifika students enrolled or intending to enrol in a programme in ecological or environmental sciences the year following application. The award is open to graduates of any university within or outside of New Zealand.
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In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We have other scholarships available, including specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science
-
The award provides financial support to returning or transferring Pasifika students enrolled or intending to enrol in a programme in ecological or environmental sciences the year following application. The award is open to graduates of any university within or outside of New Zealand.
-
In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Further study
After completing your Graduate Certificate in Science, you could continue studying 200- and 300-level courses in a Graduate Diploma in Science. Courses from your Certificate could count towards a Diploma.
Or you might want to continue to more advanced study at postgraduate level.
We offer a range of science-focused postgraduate qualifications, including specialised Master’s degrees and postgraduate certificates and diplomas.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.