Refine your lab and research expertise
Build your practical skills in drug discovery and development. Study a one-year postgraduate diploma that explores advanced topics in chemical biology, drug discovery, and research preparation.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Drug Discovery and Development is a valuable qualification in its own right. It’s also a good choice if you want to study in stages toward the Master of Drug Discovery and Development. The courses you complete in the PGDipDDD will count towards the Master’s.
Who can study for the PGDipDDD
This qualification can build on the professional experience you’ve gained from working in any industrial setting.
To get into the PGDipDDD, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree—ideally majoring in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, or a related subject.
What you’ll learn
In the PGDipDDD, you’ll study advanced core courses in chemical biology, drug discovery, and research preparation.
You’ll also choose from a range of 400-level elective courses in biology, biomedical science, biotechnology, chemistry, clinical research, drug development, and microbiology.
How you’ll study
You’ll attend both lectures and labs. You’ll complete coursework and develop practical skills that you can use in research activities.
The PGDipDDD is made up of seven courses worth 120 points:
- three core courses, including the 30-point course DRGD 580—Research Preparation
- four elective courses.
Part-time study
The PGDipDDD can be studied full time or part time.
- Full-time study over two trimesters—around 40 hours of study a week.
- Part-time study over four trimesters maximum—around 20 hours of study a week.
Make sure you take your study hours into account if you are working.
Flexible study options
The PGDipDDD is part of a tiered family of qualifications:
- Master of Drug Discovery and Development (180 points)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Drug Discovery and Development (120 points)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Drug Discovery and Development (60 points).
These qualifications are ‘staircased’. If you start with the Diploma or Certificate and want to continue studying after you finish, your completed courses will count towards the Master’s.
Or, if you enrol in the Master’s but choose not to finish it, you may have completed enough courses to be awarded a Diploma or Certificate.
Choose the qualification that suits your career goals, time constraints, and financial situation.
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 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 PGDipDDD degree shall have:
(i) completed a degree of a tertiary education institution in New Zealand or equivalent in Chemistry or a relevant life-science subject, such as Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, normally with a B+ average grade or better in relevant courses; 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 Associate Dean, Academic (Postgraduate) for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipDDD
2. The course of study for the PGDipDDD shall consist of:
(i) Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (DRGD 401); one of Drug Design (DRGD 402), Organic and Bio-organic Chemistry (CHEM 421)
(ii) A further 60 points from BIOL 430–440, BMSC 400–441, BTEC 435–441, CHEM 400–441, CLNR 401–405, DRGD 402–403, MBIO 434–440
(iii) Research Preparation (DRGD 580)
3. A candidate who has completed the PGDipDDD and is accepted into the MDDD may transfer the courses passed to the MDDD, but must abandon the earlier qualification upon being awarded the degree.
Future careers
In the PGDipDDD, you’ll develop expertise and research skills that support you to pursue a career in drug discovery or pharmaceuticals.
After graduating, you might work in a lab, hospital, or clinical setting. You’ll most likely start as a lab technician or assistant. 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.
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.
Summer research scholarships
There are several summer scholarships available. These give you the opportunity to gain experience in research—with the added bonus of paid work over the summer trimester.
Each scholarship gives you experience working with established researchers on a specified project and an insight into what studying for a research degree entails.
Scholarships for Biomedical Science
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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.
Scholarships for Biomedical Science
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is the country’s top-ranked university for intensity of high-quality research.
Our research
The Faculty of Science and Engineering is one of New Zealand’s top research institutions, with our own research centres and strong links to many other organisations and universities.
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.