Type of qualification
Level of study
Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology – GDipScTech
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.
Moving to another area of science
This qualification is useful if you have a background in 1 area of science, and are looking to move into another.
A shorter time
This graduate diploma is also useful if you are looking for a flexible qualification that allows you to undertake a shorter course of study at university level than that required by a 3-year bachelor’s degree. It will take 1 year full-time to complete (120 credits).
Study at a higher level
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).
Enter with industry experience
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.
Not right for you?
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.
Further study
If you successfully complete your Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology, you could go on to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology or Master of Science depending on your academic background.
A GDipScTech is a good fit if you:
- are looking for a tertiary qualification in a shorter time frame
- wish to enter postgraduate study but do not have the prerequisite qualification in the area you wish to choose.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree, or equivalent; or
- have been admitted to the qualification on the basis of equivalent relevant professional experience.
You may be expected to have the relevant background to meet prerequisite requirements for courses that you wish to include in your qualification.
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.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
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 qualification 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 qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology
If you study full-time you’ll take four 15-credit courses (60 credits per semester), making a total of 120 credits in 1 year.
The Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology is awarded without endorsement.
The majority of available courses are those listed for the Bachelor of Science and its majors (at 200 and 300-level).
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
120 credits
- Courses from the Schedule – 120 credits
Include at least 75 credits at 300 level.
The majority of available courses are those listed for the Bachelor of Science and its majors (at 200 and 300-level).
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
120 credits from courses at 200 level and 300 level selected from the following prefixes:
112 Agribusiness, 117 Animal Science, 119 Agriculture and Horticulture, 120 Plant Biology, 121 Environmental Science, 122 Biochemistry, 123 Chemistry, 138 Agricultural Engineering, 141 Food Technology, 147 Rehabilitation Studies, 151 Nutritional Science,
160 Mathematics, 161 Statistics, 162 Biology, 175 Psychology, 188 Natural Resource Management, 189 Soil Science, 194 Physiology, 196 Ecology, 199 Zoology, 203 Genetics, 214 Health Sciences, 218 Building and Construction, 228 Technology and Engineering,
231 Public Health, 233 Earth Science, 234 Sport and Exercise Science, 235 Māori Resource and Environmental Management, 246 Natural Sciences, 247 College of Sciences, 250 Health, 251 Occupational Health and Safety, 280 Process and Environmental Technology,
281 Electronics and Information Engineering, 282 Mechatronics and Automation Engineering, 283 Agronomy, 284 Horticulture, 285 Plant Health, 286 Equine.
Up to 30 credits may be selected from 127 Property Studies, 150 Māori Studies, 152 Management, 156 Marketing, 178 Economics.
or 120 credits from:
Course code: 227511 Veterinary Clinics and Public Health 120 credits
Tuition, demonstration and clinical experience in surgery, anaesthesia, medicine, epidemiology and theriogenology of domestic animals; health and management of production animals; diagnostic procedures, including imaging, necropsies and laboratory tests; and diagnostic reasoning. Professional ethics and legislative obligations to the public and state; the role of veterinary professional organisations and veterinarians as communicators and educators, veterinary business management and the maintenance of physical and mental fitness as a veterinarian. Principles and practical applications of veterinary public health, meat hygiene and quality assurance programmes to meet national and international standards will also be taught. Opportunities for students to gain further experience in chosen areas of interest.
View full course detailsCourse code: 502701 Workplace-based Learning in the Sciences 60 credits
Portfolio of study using technical and clinical experiences in the sciences
View full course detailsCourse code: 502702 Extended Workplace-based Learning in the Sciences 60 credits
Portfolio of study using technical and clinical experiences in the sciences
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
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Without Specialisation – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
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Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz