Develop your science expertise
Postgraduate diplomas are 1-year qualifications that help you develop advanced expertise in your subject area at postgraduate level. With the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSc), you’ll also develop your skills in data analysis and scientific communication.
You’ll take courses in your chosen area of specialisation.
The PGDipSc is also a pathway to further study at Master’s level.
Why you might choose this qualification
The PGDipSc suits you if you want to:
- take some postgraduate courses to specialise in a subject area relevant to your past study
- build on your skills and knowledge from working in the industry with study at a postgraduate level
- prepare for a Master’s degree.
What you’ll learn
Build advanced knowledge in the science subject that interests you most. With more than 20 subjects to choose from, you can tailor your study to match your academic interests and career goals.
Flexible options
You can take an interdisciplinary approach to your studies by swapping some optional courses in one subject for courses from another subject. For example, you could combine Marine Biology with Chemistry, or Geophysics with Geology.
How you’ll study
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science is a 120-point coursework qualification that can be completed full-time in two trimesters, or part-time over four trimesters for eligible domestic students.
You’ll study through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions (where applicable), and independent learning while focusing on your chosen area of specialisation.
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.
Other study options
There are other study options if the PGDipSc is not right for you.
- If you want to study a shorter postgraduate qualification, you might prefer the 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc).
- If you aren’t eligible for postgraduate study or want to change your area of expertise, then consider the Graduate Diploma in Science (GDipSc).
Qualification 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 through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
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 PGDipSc shall have:
(i) completed a degree of this university or, at the discretion of the Associate Dean, Academic (Postgraduate) of the Wellington Faculty of Science, another university;
(ii) satisfied the prerequisites for the subject to be presented as listed in section 2 of the MSc regulations; and
(iii) 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.
Your acceptance into this programme is based on your previous qualifications and experience.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipSc
2. 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.
Major subjects
Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.
Major subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
PGDipSc subjects
Artificial Intelligence
Biotechnology
Cell and Molecular Bioscience
Climate Change Science and Policy
Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience
Computer Graphics
Computer Science
Conservation Biology
Cross-cultural Psychology
Data Science
Earth Science
Ecological Restoration
Ecology and Biodiversity
Electronic / Computer Systems
Environmental Science
Forensic Psychology
Marine Biology
Molecular Microbiology
Physical Geography
Science in Society
21 of 28 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
Science graduates of all disciplines work in research careers. They have the potential to innovate and lead in a range of sectors, including business and policy.
You could work in areas like:
- health
- technology
- scientific innovation
- consulting.
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
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The scholarship is open to full time students enrolled in Mathematics or Physics, who are entering their second or subsequent year or postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka— Victoria University of Wellington.
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This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.
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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...
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
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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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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.
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.
Further research or study
If you get a B+ average grade in the PGDipSc, you may be able to complete a Master of Science by thesis. This takes one further year of study.
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.