Move into a new career
The Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology gives you the opportunity to retrain in an area of science that interests you.
If you wish to study at a postgraduate level but do not have the required prerequisites, the Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology can help you gain the credits and knowledge you need.
This qualification is useful if you have a background in one area of science, and are looking to move into another.
This graduate diploma is also useful if you are looking for a flexible programme that allows you to undertake a shorter course of study at university level than that required by a three year bachelor’s degree. It will take one year full-time to complete (120 credits).
This qualification does require an existing competence in the subject you are to study. You will be required to complete a number of courses at 300-level (third year).
If you have substantial industry experience at a senior level this may be considered towards your application. This is on a case-by-case basis.
You may have courses passed under this programme credited to a bachelor’s degree, provided the courses comply with the regulations of the degree in question.
If you do not have a background in science, only need a few courses or are looking for a qualification with more flexibility, we recommend you consider the Certificate in Science and Technology or the Graduate Certificate in Science. These are 60-credit qualifications that will give you the background you need to progress to a degree in science or technology-related areas.
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
To enter the Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology you will:
You may be expected to have the relevant background to meet prerequisite requirements for courses that you wish to include in your programme of study.
Courses taken for prerequisite purposes only may be taken in a Certificate in Science and Technology.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Courses from the Schedule to the Graduate Diploma
Ensure that overall, you also have:
Attend block courses, contact workshops, field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials and laboratories as required.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| 112248 | Food and Agribusiness Value Chains | 15 |
| 112301 | International Food and Agribusiness Strategies | 15 |
| 112302 | Food and Agribusiness Strategies | 15 |
| 117254 | Principles of Animal Science and Production | 15 |
| 117371 | Animal Production | 15 |
| 117381 | Solving Problems in Animal Production | 15 |
| 119258 | Agricultural Systems | 15 |
| 119281 | Decision Tools for Primary Industries | 15 |
| 119381 | Decision-Making in Primary Industry | 15 |
| 119382 | Opportunity Analysis in Primary Industry | 15 |
| 120217 | Plant, Cell and Environment | 15 |
| 120218 | The Flora of New Zealand | 15 |
| 120219 | Plants and People | 15 |
| 120302 | Plant Development | 15 |
| 120303 | Plant Evolution and Speciation | 15 |
| 120304 | Plant Biotechnology | 15 |
| 121210 | Environmental Issues | 15 |
| 121212 | Field Techniques for Environmental Science | 15 |
| 121310 | Environmental Solutions | 15 |
| 121311 | Global Environmental Issues | 15 |
| 121312 | Environmental Science Field Work II | 15 |
| 121313 | Applied River Management | 15 |
| 122231 | Genes and Gene Expression | 15 |
| 122232 | Protein Biochemistry | 15 |
| 122233 | Metabolic Biochemistry | 15 |
| 122303 | Mammalian Gene Regulation | 15 |
| 122322 | Protein Structure and Function | 15 |
| 123201 | Chemical Energetics | 15 |
| 123202 | Organic and Biological Chemistry | 15 |
| 123203 | Inorganic Chemistry and Modelling | 15 |
| 123204 | Chemical and Biochemical Analysis | 15 |
| 123206 | Environmental and Analytical Chemistry | 15 |
| 123210 | Organic Chemistry Perspectives | 15 |
| 123271 | Molecules to Materials | 15 |
| 123310 | Advanced Concepts in Organic Chemistry | 15 |
| 123311 | Advanced Physical and Analytical Chemistry | 15 |
| 123312 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | 15 |
| 123313 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 15 |
| 123315 | Chemistry and Nanoscience Research Project | 15 |
| 123326 | Advanced Chemical Biology | 15 |
| 123331 | Advanced Physical and Computational Chemistry | 15 |
| 123332 | Advanced Topics in Chemistry | 30 |
| 124226 | Quantum and Statistical Physics | 15 |
| 124229 | Special Relativity and Cosmology | 15 |
| 124230 | Biophysics | 15 |
| 124233 | Classical Mechanics and Waves | 15 |
| 124316 | Advanced Experimental Physics | 15 |
| 124325 | Advanced Quantum Physics | 15 |
| 124327 | Modern Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics | 15 |
| 124332 | Classical Fields | 15 |
| 128300 | Ergonomics/Human Factors: Work, Performance, Health and Design | 15 |
| 141211 | Food Technology 3: Product Development | 15 |
| 141212 | Food Technology 4: Manufacturing | 15 |
| 141311 | Food Technology 5: Food Microbiology and Safety | 15 |
| 141312 | Food Technology 6: Food Characterisation | 15 |
| 141358 | Nutrition and Food Choice | 15 |
| 141362 | Food Formulation Technology | 15 |
| 141395 | Food Chemistry | 15 |
| 141723 | Industrial Systems Improvement | 15 |
| 145202 | Working With Geographic Data | 15 |
| 145213 | Resource Conservation and Sustainability | 15 |
| 145214 | Social Change and Environment | 15 |
| 145216 | Urban Environments | 15 |
| 145218 | Development and Inequality | 15 |
| 145222 | Rivers and Slopes | 15 |
| 145223 | Climate Change and Natural Hazards | 15 |
| 145224 | Biogeography | 15 |
| 145230 | Coastal Environments | 15 |
| 145301 | Research Practice in Human Geography | 15 |
| 145303 | Field Work: Alpine Physical Geography | 15 |
| 145304 | Applied Field Geomorphology | 15 |
| 145311 | Geographies of Globalisation | 15 |
| 145318 | Geopolitics | 15 |
| 145320 | Quaternary Biogeography and Environmental Change | 15 |
| 145327 | Catchment Dynamics | 15 |
| 151231 | Food Chemistry for Nutrition | 15 |
| 151232 | Nutrition and Metabolism | 15 |
| 151331 | Maternal and Child Nutrition | 15 |
| 151332 | Nutrition for Sport and Performance | 15 |
| 151333 | Adult Nutrition and Positive Ageing | 15 |
| 151334 | Nutrition Communication and Promotion | 15 |
| 151344 | Principles of Nutrition | 15 |
| 152261 | International Business | 15 |
| 152350 | Strategic Management and Governance | 15 |
| 156231 | Strategic Marketing Management | 15 |
| 156339 | Omni-Channel Retail Marketing | 15 |
| 160203 | Multivariable Calculus | 15 |
| 160204 | Differential Equations I | 15 |
| 160211 | Linear Algebra | 15 |
| 160212 | Discrete Mathematics | 15 |
| 160301 | Real and Complex Analysis | 15 |
| 160302 | Modern Algebra | 15 |
| 160314 | Combinatorics | 15 |
| 160318 | Differential Equations II | 15 |
| 160319 | Mathematical Modelling | 15 |
| 160320 | Mathematics in Education | 15 |
| 161200 | Statistical Models | 15 |
| 161250 | Data Analysis for Biologists | 15 |
| 162211 | Biology and Genetics of Microorganisms | 15 |
| 162212 | The Microbial World | 15 |
| 162214 | Biology of Microorganisms | 15 |
| 162283 | Medical Microbiology | 15 |
| 162301 | Medical Microbiology | 15 |
| 162303 | Immunology | 15 |
| 162304 | Applied and Environmental Microbiology | 15 |
| 175201 | Social Psychology | 15 |
| 175203 | Introduction to Psychological Research | 15 |
| 175205 | Brain and Behaviour | 15 |
| 175206 | Memory and Cognition | 15 |
| 175210 | Ngā Tirohanga Rua o te Taha Hinengaro: Bicultural Perspectives in Psychology | 15 |
| 175301 | Community Psychology | 15 |
| 175302 | Abnormal and Therapeutic Psychology | 15 |
| 175303 | The Practice of Psychological Research | 15 |
| 175306 | Assessment of Individual Differences | 15 |
| 175309 | Forensic Psychology | 15 |
| 175311 | Psychology of Women | 15 |
| 175316 | Evolution, Culture and Mind | 15 |
| 175317 | Health Psychology | 15 |
| 175318 | Experimental Psychology | 15 |
| 175343 | Personnel Psychology and Career Development | 15 |
| 175345 | Organisational Psychology | 15 |
| 178358 | International Trade in Agri-food Products | 15 |
| 178360 | Environmental Economics | 15 |
| 188263 | Introduction to Environmental Management | 15 |
| 188363 | Applied Environmental Management | 15 |
| 189251 | Soil Fertility and Fertilisers | 15 |
| 189362 | Soil Fertility and the Environment | 15 |
| 189363 | Soil Resources and Sustainable Land Use | 15 |
| 194241 | Physiological Control Systems | 15 |
| 194242 | Physiology of Mammalian Organ Systems | 15 |
| 194243 | Physiological Strategies for Survival | 15 |
| 194245 | Animal Form and Function | 15 |
| 194342 | Cell Physiology | 15 |
| 194343 | Animal Welfare Science | 15 |
| 194344 | Nerves and the Nervous System | 15 |
| 194345 | Comparative Physiology | 15 |
| 194346 | Metabolic Physiology | 15 |
| 194348 | Adaptive Human Physiology | 15 |
| 194350 | Human Lifecycle Physiology | 15 |
| 196205 | Ecology and Conservation | 15 |
| 196207 | Biological Evolution | 15 |
| 196213 | Microbial Ecology | 15 |
| 196217 | Evolutionary Biology | 15 |
| 196225 | Introductory Marine Biology | 15 |
| 196313 | Freshwater Ecology | 15 |
| 196315 | Conservation Science | 15 |
| 196316 | New Zealand Plant Ecology | 15 |
| 196317 | Community and Ecosystem Ecology | 15 |
| 196318 | Molecular Ecology | 15 |
| 196326 | Topics in Marine Ecology | 15 |
| 196327 | Marine Mammalogy | 15 |
| 196350 | Quantitative Marine Ecology | 15 |
| 199204 | Animal Behaviour | 15 |
| 199206 | The Fauna of New Zealand | 15 |
| 199211 | Invertebrate Zoology | 15 |
| 199212 | Vertebrate Zoology | 15 |
| 199310 | Entomology | 15 |
| 199312 | Behavioural Ecology | 15 |
| 199317 | Animal Biodiversity | 15 |
| 199330 | Ornithology | 15 |
| 203202 | Genetic Analysis | 15 |
| 203203 | Biomedicine | 15 |
| 203212 | Principles of Genetics | 15 |
| 203300 | DNA Technology | 15 |
| 203305 | Advanced Practical Genetics | 15 |
| 203307 | Mammalian Cell Biology | 15 |
| 203328 | Genome Analysis | 15 |
| 203340 | Applied Molecular Biology | 15 |
| 203341 | Genome Science | 15 |
| 203342 | Molecular and Cellular Biology | 15 |
| 203343 | Genetics of Human Health and Ancestry | 15 |
| 228211 | Engineering Practice 3: Product Development | 15 |
| 228212 | Engineering Practice 4: Materials & Manufacturing | 15 |
| 228271 | Engineering Mathematics 2 | 15 |
| 228311 | Engineering Practice 5: Engineering Design with Constraints | 30 |
| 228312 | Engineering Practice 5: Process Engineering with Constraints | 30 |
| 228371 | Statistical Modelling for Engineers and Technologists | 15 |
| 233202 | Earth Science Field Work I | 15 |
| 233205 | Volcanology and Mineralogy | 15 |
| 233250 | Understanding New Zealand Geology | 15 |
| 233251 | GIS and Remote Sensing | 15 |
| 233301 | Advanced Remote Sensing | 15 |
| 233302 | Earth Science Field Work III | 15 |
| 233310 | Pedology and Quaternary Geology | 15 |
| 233350 | How the Earth Works | 15 |
| 234222 | Sport Biomechanics | 15 |
| 234223 | Exercise Physiology | 15 |
| 234322 | Sport Biomechanics II | 15 |
| 234323 | Exercise Physiology II | 15 |
| 234327 | Investigating Sports Performance | 15 |
| 234361 | Exercise Psychology | 15 |
| 236201 | Nanoscience | 15 |
| 236301 | Advanced Nanoscience | 15 |
| 280201 | Industrial Microbiology | 15 |
| 280271 | Heat and Mass – Conservation and Transfer | 15 |
| 280272 | Fluid Flow and Particle Technology | 15 |
| 280304 | Bioseparation and Purification Processes | 15 |
| 280341 | Environmental Technology | 15 |
| 280371 | Process Engineering Operations | 15 |
| 280372 | Reaction Technologies and Process Modelling | 15 |
| 281272 | Signals and Systems | 15 |
| 281273 | Communication Network Architectures | 15 |
| 281281 | Analogue Electronic Systems | 15 |
| 281282 | Digital Electronic Systems | 15 |
| 281353 | Control Engineering | 15 |
| 281374 | Communication Systems | 15 |
| 281375 | Data Communication Networks | 15 |
| 281384 | Embedded Systems Design | 15 |
| 281385 | Advanced Electronic Circuits | 15 |
| 282260 | Manufacturing Engineering and Computer Aided Design | 15 |
| 282371 | Mechanics and Materials | 15 |
| 282372 | Mechanism and Component Design | 15 |
| 282373 | Fluid Mechanics & Thermodynamics | 15 |
| 283201 | Pasture and Crop Agronomy | 15 |
| 283301 | Pasture Production and Practice | 15 |
| 283305 | Arable Production | 15 |
| 284201 | Horticultural Production Systems | 15 |
| 284301 | Horticultural Crop Development & Yield | 15 |
| 284342 | Horticultural Productivity and Quality | 15 |
| 285201 | Understanding Plant Protection | 15 |
| 285301 | Controlling Plant Pests and Diseases | 15 |
| 287320 | Product Design | 15 |
| 287342 | Agile Manufacturing | 15 |
If you study full-time you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
The Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology is awarded without endorsement.
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.