Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science

• Overview
• Subject Areas
• Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc)

The Advanced Nutrition Practice specialisation for this qualification will also be temporarily delivered online in order to support international students that are unable to attend classes in 2022 in person due to COVID-19. For more information and criteria please visit the University's COVID-19 website.

Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc) allows students to begin postgraduate study with a 60 point qualification from which they can later proceed to a Postgraduate Diploma or Master's degree.

This option allows students to maintain employment while gaining qualifications.

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Subject areas

The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc) may be awarded in any of the subjects listed below.

The programme of study for each subject shall consist of approved 400- and 500-level papers to the value of 60 points, and shall normally include papers from more than one subject. With the approval of the Head of Department or Course Director concerned, papers worth up to 20 points from 400- and 500-level papers other than those specified in the relevant Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) table may be included.

Relevant papers for PGCertAppSc are listed in the Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) tables on the following subject pages:

• Advanced Nutrition Practice
• Applied Geology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Bioengineering
• Computational Modelling (no new enrolments are currently being accepted)
• Computer Science
• Consumer Food Science
• Electronics (no new enrolments)
• Environmental Management
• Geographic Information Systems
• Marine Environmental Science (not offered in 2022)
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Plant Biotechnology
• Quantitative Genetics
• Science Communication
• Software Engineering
• Statistics
• Telecommunications

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Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc)

1. Admission to the Programme

   1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Science).

   2. Every applicant must either
      1. be a graduate, or
      2. have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
   3. In considering an applicant’s qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.

2. Subjects of Study

   The certificate may be awarded in any of the subjects for the degree of Master of Applied Science listed in Science Schedule D. With the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences), the certificate may be awarded in a subject not listed in Science Schedule D.

3. Structure of the Programme

   The programme of study

   1. shall consist of approved 400- and 500-level papers, to the value of 60 points, selected from the papers specified in Science Schedule D for the Master of Applied Science subject concerned.
   2. shall normally include papers from more than one subject and at least one of the approved 400-level papers that shall be amongst the first papers taken in the programme of study.
   3. may, with the approval of the Head of Department or Course Director concerned, include papers worth up to 20 points from 400-and 500-level papers other than those specified in Science Schedule D.

4. Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions

   Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).

5. Duration of the Programme

   A candidate for the certificate shall normally follow a programme of study for one semester of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study.

6. Certificate in a Second Subject

   A student who has obtained the certificate in one subject may become a candidate for the certificate in any other subject.

7. Variations

   The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

   Note: The due date for applications for first enrolment in the programme is 10 December. Late applications will be considered.

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Entrance requirements for postgraduate study vary by programme with most requiring a minimum bachelor-level qualification in the same field, and some having additional requirements such as relevant work experience and/or professional registration in New Zealand. 

A postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma can usually be taken at any time after the completion of your bachelor's degree.

If you hold an honours degree or postgraduate diploma you may be able to eligible for master’s study by thesis only. In some cases if you hold a bachelor’s degree you may apply for a coursework master’s degree or for master’s study by coursework and thesis.

To study a PhD you usually require the completion of a master’s degree, or a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in the same area of study, or a related discipline, as your intended area of research.

Check the postgraduate students pages for specific information on the entrance requirements of the programme you are interested in.

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• Step 1 – Select your course or programme
• Step 2 –  Check entry requirements and deadlines
• Step 3 – Apply online
• Step 4 – Submit your application
  
• Step 5 – Accept your Offer of Place