Dive deeper into science
The Graduate Diploma in Science (GDipSc) comprises 120 points of 200- and 300-level courses.
You can specialise in a subject by completing the 300-level requirements of one of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) majors. You may need to take a prerequisite course or two in preparation. This is similar to studying an extra major in a different discipline to your original Bachelor’s major. Or you can use the GDipSc to explore courses in a range of subjects.
If you are already working in an industry, the GDipSc is a great way to enhance your knowledge of the latest developments in a new area of interest. The GDipSc also prepares you for study at postgraduate level.
Who can study for this qualification
If you’ve completed a Bachelor’s degree and want to learn about a new subject, the GDipSc is a good way to expand your knowledge. It can also prepare you for more advanced study in that subject at postgraduate level.
If you’re already working in an industry, you can use the GDipSc to explore a topic in your field.
What you’ll learn
Choose from 25 different science subjects to match your interests and career goals.
In the GDipSc, you’ll take 120 points worth of courses above 100 level. In some subjects, courses are worth 15 points (you’ll take eight of these), and in others they're worth 20 points (you’ll take six of these). These courses come from the Bachelor of Science schedule.
You can structure the GDipSc 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 GDipSc in two trimesters of full-time study, although in some subjects it may take longer. You’ll be doing coursework rather than independent research.
Depending on your chosen subject, you may also need to do preparatory studies, which will make your overall study take longer.
Part-time study options
If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time over four 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 working.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
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 GDipSc shall have:
(i) completed a degree of this university or, at the discretion of the Associate Dean, Academic (Undergraduate) of the Wellington 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 GDipSc
2 (a) The course of study for the diploma 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 120 points above 100 level from the BSc Schedule including at least 75 points at 300 level.
(b) A candidate may substitute courses from other programmes offered at this university up to a value of 30 points for the GDipSc.
(c) A candidate for the GDipSc may obtain a specialisation, provided that their course of study meets the 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 or diploma.
3.(a) A candidate for the GDipSc shall normally complete the requirements of the diploma within four years of first enrolling in it.
(b) The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Note: The actual time taken to complete the 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
Specialisations are the subjects you focus on in this qualification. Each specialisation has specific courses and requirements.
Choose your specialisation from the selection below.
Subject requirements
Explore your major options below.
GDipSc subjects
Actuarial Science
Applied Physics
Artificial Intelligence
Biotechnology
Cell and Molecular Bioscience
Climate Science
Computer Graphics and Games
Computer Science
Data Science
Development Studies
Earth Science
Ecology and Biodiversity
Electronic / Computer Systems
Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
Information Systems
Marine Biology
Physical Geography
Psychological Science
Science Communication
21 of 29 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
A science degree is the first step towards a career where you might develop new technologies, treat diseases, or protect the environment.
With a Bachelor’s degree and the GDipSc, you could find work in an entry-level science-related role. If you went on to do a postgraduate qualification, you could access a more senior starting point in your career.
The types of roles you might get depend on the subject you focus on in your studies.
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.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as 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 subjects
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Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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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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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies 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 or Postgraduate Diploma 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 also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as 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 subjects
-
Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
-
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.
Further study
If you do well in your GDipSc, 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.
And following a Master's degree, you could enrol in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)—our highest research-based qualification.
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.