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
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology – PGDipScTech
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master’s level.
Why postgraduate study?
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The workload of the postgraduate diploma replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles.
Further study
If you are successful in this qualification, you may have the opportunity of proceeding to a master’s such as the Master of Science.
A PGDipScTech is a good fit if you:
- have an undergraduate science degree
- are interested in postgraduate study, but do not have a research background
- would like to undertake a predominantly taught postgraduate qualification.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the majoring 300-level courses, or
- a postgraduate certificate that includes 30 credits of courses from the schedule to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology, or equivalent.
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 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.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the 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 be 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 Diploma in Science and Technology
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology is available part-time.
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
Endorsement option
- Courses from one Endorsement – 75 credits
- Course from the Schedule – 15 credits
- Elective courses – 30 credits
No endorsement option
- Course from the Schedule – 90 credits
- Elective courses – 30 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.
Schedule A: Endorsements
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.
You may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation.
You may study the PGDipScTech without endorsement only with prior approval of a coherent programme of study from the College of Sciences.
Agricultural Science
Improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems in New Zealand and around the world. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Agricultural Science) is the stepping stone to a research-based degree.
Animal Science
Join a world-leading agricultural university. Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Animal Science) is a stepping stone to a research-based degree.
Biological Sciences
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Biological Sciences) is a stepping stone to a research-based degree. Take advantage of Massey's world-class facilities available to you.
Conservation Biology
Learn to address real conservation management problems. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Conservation Biology) is a stepping stone to a research-based degree.
Earth Science
A Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Earth Science) is a stepping stone to a research-based degree.
Horticultural Science
Learn from, and research with, highly-skilled, researchers in horticulture. A Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Horticultural Science) is the stepping stone to a research-based qualification.
Plant Breeding
Join an Industry that is in demand. Many students of Massey's Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Plant Breeding) have jobs before they graduate.
Psychology
Build on your interest in psychology with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Psychology). In detail, learn the thoughts, feelings, and actions of individuals and groups in social and cultural contexts.
Without Specialisation
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology is a stepping stone to a research-based qualification.
Zoology
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Zoology) is a stepping stone to a research-based degree. Take advantage of Massey’s experts who can help you dig deeper into your area of interest.
Schedule B: Electives
Course code: 119791 Special Topic 15 credits
Course code: 119792 Special Topic 15 credits
Course code: 119797 Special Topic 30 credits
Course code: 123711 Research Methods in Chemistry and Nanoscience 30 credits
Four compulsory modules covering research project development and computational methods in science; two modules selected from: statistical methods for data acquisition/handling, BioNMR, single molecule techniques and polymer physics and/or a relevant topic to be negotiated.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123713 Advanced Chemical Synthesis 30 credits
A selection of modules (6 maximum) covering topics in advanced synthetic chemistry, peptides for biological applications, drug design and delivery, modified nucleic acids as probes in life sciences, activation of small molecules in chemistry and biological chemistry AND/OR a topic to be negotiated with the lecturer.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247782 Special Topic 15 credits
A course of study which will be designed to either meet the individual requirements of a student in a special circumstance or be used to facilitate development of a new course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247783 Special Topic 15 credits
A course of study which will be designed to either meet the individual requirements of a student in a special circumstance or be used to facilitate development of a new course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247792 Special Topic 15 credits
A course of study which will be designed to either meet the individual requirements of a student in a special circumstance or be used to facilitate development of a new course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247793 Special Topic 15 credits
A course of study which will be designed to either meet the individual requirements of a student in a special circumstance or be used to facilitate development of a new course.
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 details700 level from 151 prefix
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
Scholarship and award opportunities
Find more 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.
Careers and job opportunities
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.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz