Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
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 Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology – PGCertScTech
If you successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Science, you may be able to study towards the Postgraduate Diploma. Your PGCert can be credited towards this qualification. The Diploma offers you a wide range of science specialisations to choose from.
Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that, in New Zealand, earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.
Further study
You may have the opportunity to proceed to a related postgraduate diploma or master’s degree. This depends upon achievement in the postgraduate certificate and the mix of courses studied.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree in the sciences, technology or engineering with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, or
- a bachelor’s degree in the sciences, technology or engineering followed by a Graduate Certificate in Science and Technology comprising approved 300-level courses in the intended postgraduate subject, or
- any bachelor’s degree followed by a Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology comprising approved 300-level courses in the intended postgraduate subject, or
- have completed extensive relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience equivalent to the undergraduate requirements as approved by the University.
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.
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.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
More information
- General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
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 Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate 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 Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology
If you study full-time, you’ll take 60 credits in one semester.
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
60 credits
- Courses from specified subject prefixes – 60 credits
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.
Taught postgraduate courses, that is 700 level, selected from the following prefixes:
112 Agribusiness, 117 Animal Science, 118 Veterinary Science, 119 Agriculture and Horticulture, 120 Plant Biology, 122 Biochemistry, 123 Chemistry, 124 Physics, 141.708, 141.712, 141.713, 141.715,
145 Geography, 151 Nutritional Science, 157 Information Systems, 158 Information Technology, 159 Computer 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, 232 Ecology, 233 Earth Science, 234 Sport and Exercise Science,
235 Maori Resource and Environmental Management, 236 Nanoscience, 238 AgriScience, 240 Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 247 College of Sciences courses, 280 Process and Environmental Technology, 281 Electronics and Information Engineering,
282 Mechatronics and Automation Engineering, 283 Agronomy, 284 Horticulture, 285 Plant Health, 286 Equine, 287 Industrial Innovation, 502 College of Sciences courses.
Fees 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 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 can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Fees 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.
Related study options
Certificate in Science and Technology – CertScTech
The Certificate in Science and Technology is a shorter study option at university level. It is used primarily as a ‘pathway’ to help you complete subjects you need to enter another qualification.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz