Develop science expertise
Develop further skills and expertise in Biomedical Science at postgraduate level.
Choose from a range of advanced courses in Biomedical Science. You can explore courses in genetics and molecular biology, cell biology, physiology and pharmacology, drug discovery and development, and clinical research. You may also include a research preparation course.
Develop your skills in laboratory work, data analysis, and scientific communication. The Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science (PGDipBmedSc) can also provide a pathway into Master’s-level study in Biomedical Science.
Who can study for this qualification
The Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science will suit you if have studied the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and you want to:
- take some postgraduate courses to specialise in a subject area relevant to your past study
- build on your skills and knowledge to work in the industry
- study towards a Master of Biomedical Science.
You may be able to study for the PGDipBmedSc if you studied something equivalent to the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, or if you have extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Study towards a Master’s in stages
The PGDipBmedSc is part of a tiered family of qualifications. The PGDipBmedSc can be counted towards the first year of the Master’s. You can continue to the thesis part of the Master of Biomedical Science, as long as you have a supervisor and a project.
Part-time study options
The postgraduate diploma can be studied full or part time over four trimesters maximum—for example, studying 20 hours of work a week.
Make sure you take your study hours into account if you are working.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university 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 PGDipBmedSc shall have:
(i) completed a BBmedSc degree or, at the discretion of the Associate Dean, Academic (Postgraduate) of the Faculty of Science, an equivalent degree from another university; and
(ii) been accepted by the relevant head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the head of school for a candidate who has produced evidence to the satisfaction of the associate dean of extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipBio
2. Except as provided in section 4, the programme of study for the PGDipBmedSc shall consist of:
(i) 30 points from BMSC 401–479, CLNR 401–414, DRGD 401–405
(ii) 90 further points from BIOL 430–435, BMSC 401–449, CLNR 401–414, DRGD 401–405.
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for at least two trimesters and shall complete the requirements of the postgraduate diploma within four years of first enrolling in it. The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Future careers
Biomedical Science graduates may work in healthcare laboratories, hospitals, research institutes, clinical settings, or firms that sell medical equipment. You’ll most likely start as a lab technician or assistant.
You might work in government departments such as Health New Zealand—Te Whatu Ora, in drug testing programmes, or in the pharmaceutical industry.
Fields you could work in
You’ll have the knowledge base to enter a variety of fields, including:
- human genetics research
- genetic counselling or management
- human fertility and ageing
- clinical biochemistry
- immunology
- molecular pathology
- the development of new pharmaceuticals.
More career information
Find out more about careers in biomedical 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 Biomedical Science
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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
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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.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Scholarships for international students
We’re 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 Biomedical Science
-
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.
-
Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
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.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand’s top-ranked university for intensity of high-quality research.
Read about our research rankings
Our Faculty of Science is one of New Zealand’s top research institutions, with our own research centres and strong links to many other organisations and universities.
Student profiles
Find out what postgraduate study is like—read what our current and past students have to say about their experiences.
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.