Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) is a one-year full-time or up to four-year part-time program designed for Bachelor of Science graduates seeking advanced knowledge and qualifications in their chosen field. It offers a pathway to masters and doctoral studies, providing students with opportunities to pursue advanced study, extend their knowledge, develop research skills, and gain specialized knowledge for their chosen career paths.

Program Outline

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)

Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) is an opportunity for Bachelor of Science graduates to advance their knowledge and qualifications in their chosen field of science. The program can be completed in one year of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study. This postgraduate diploma offers a pathway toward masters and doctoral studies and provides students with the opportunity to:

• Pursue advanced study in their specialist area.
• Extend their knowledge with coursework or a project or dissertation.
• Develop research skills through project or dissertation work.
• Gain specialized knowledge for chosen career paths.

Program Structure:

Duration:

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: Varies

Points:

• 120 points in the student's specialist subject listed in the PGDipSci schedule.
• A project or dissertation of up to 45 points may be included.

Subjects Available:

• Applied Behavioural Analysis
• Applied Mathematics
• Biological Sciences
• Biosecurity and Conservation
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Computer Science
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Physics
• Environmental Science
• Exercise Sciences
• Food Science
• Geography
• Green Chemical Science
• Logic and Computation
• Marine Science
• Mathematics
• Medical Statistics
• Pharmacology
• Physics
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Speech Science
• Statistics
• Wine Science

Structure:

• The program consists of 120 points of coursework, including a project or dissertation.
• Students can choose to focus on a specific area of science or take a more general approach.
• The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and goals.

Time Limits:

• Students must complete the program within a maximum of four years of full-time study or eight years of part-time study.

Total Points Limits:

• Students must not exceed a total of 240 points across all postgraduate qualifications.

Pathway to Masters and PhD:

• The PGDipSci can be used as a pathway to masters and doctoral studies in science.
• Students who complete the PGDipSci with a high GPA may be eligible for admission to a masters or PhD program without the need to complete a further honors year.

Other:

• The program is offered at the University of Auckland City, Grafton, and Newmarket campuses.
• The application closing date for the Clinical Exercise Physiology specialization is 1 November 2022.
• The application closing date for the Psychology specialization is 1 December 2022.
• For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the specific course or subject.
• Assessment may include essays, exams, presentations, projects, and dissertations.
• Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of understanding and critical thinking in their assessments.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced and qualified academics.
• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and laboratory work.
• Students have access to a range of support services, including academic advisors, learning advisors, and career advisors.

Careers:

• The PGDipSci can lead to a wide range of careers in science, including research, teaching, and industry.
• Specific career paths will depend on the student's chosen area of specialization.
• Graduates of the program are well-prepared for further study at the masters and doctoral level.

Additional Resources:

• University of Auckland Postgraduate Diploma in Science website: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/postgraduate-diploma-in-science.html