At-a-glance

Name: Graduate Diploma in Science

Abbreviation: GDipSc

Duration: 2 trimesters 

Duration details: 2 trimesters of full-time study or normally 4 if studied part-time

Schedule: Daytime lectures

Intensity: Part time and full time

Type: Coursework

Location: On-campus (Kelburn, Wellington)

Complete: 120 points (6-8 courses)

Entry: Bachelor's degree with a B average in the relevant subject 

Start: Trimester 1, 2 or 3

Apply by: Standard trimester dates

Costs: From database for international only at this stage

Impact of previous university study in same subject: Requires

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this programme you'll need:

• A Bachelor's degree
• Acceptance by the relevant Head of the School as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

Important information

• If you want to enrol in this programme but don't meet some the entry requirements you should contact the Programme Director or Administrator to discuss your options.
• The academic Calendar is the authoritative source of programme and course information.

Programme requirements

For this programme you'll need to:

Complete at least 120 points from 200- and 300-level courses, of which:

• At least 75 points must be at 300 level or above

Subject requirements

If you want to specialise in one of the following subjects, in addition to the programme requirements, you'll need to:

Actuarial Science

Learn to help companies and organisations manage risk and better plan for the future. Actuarial Science brings economics, mathematics and statistics together to make forecasts about risks. Study at the only university in New Zealand to offer a major in this subject. You'll get the knowledge and skills you need to set you on the path to become a qualified actuary.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Applied Physics

This major focuses on how physics concepts and techniques can be used in technology—work with equipment like lasers and semiconductors and delve into areas like nanoscience and quantum optics. You'll have the flexibility to focus on related areas that interest you, so you might combine Applied Physics with Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysics, Architecture or Teaching.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Biology

Study the science of life. Find out how living organisms evolved, how they grow, where they live and how they function. This major will give you a broad grounding in the biological sciences. Learn about cell biology, plant biology, animal biology and statistics, and go on to specialise in areas like flora and fauna, genetics or biochemistry.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Biotechnology

Biotechnology helps us make products that benefit humanity—they could be new medicines, better crops, or biofuels for a cleaner environment. With this major you'll learn about molecular biology and the uses of biotechnology. Study the commercial, legal and political considerations of bringing new developments to the marketplace, and learn to think critically about related issues—like gene patents.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Cell and Molecular Bioscience

Be part of one of the most exciting areas in modern science. Discover the mechanics of life and how this relates to the health of humans, or to the relationship between organisms and their environment. Take a look at cell biology, genetics and chemical genetics, and study living organisms at the molecular level. You'll get an introduction to physiology and pharmacology, and learn about human organs and organ systems.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Chemistry

Study the concepts that lie at the basis of Chemistry—and apply these ideas through research and work in the lab. With this major you'll learn about molecules, the principles behind their behaviour, and how they interact with each other. Find out how this knowledge is being used in the development of new medicines, and to create new molecules and synthetic materials.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Computer Graphics

Learn about the key concepts and tools used in the creation of today's computer graphics and effects. Gain the programming, engineering and maths skills to create your own rendering tools, and get an introduction to the design side of computer graphi

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Computer Science

In this major you'll discover the concepts, techniques and theory behind computer science. Explore artificial intelligence, networking, computer graphics, computer games, and the design of programming languages. Learn the basics of computer programming, and how to understand and master algorithms—the mathematical basis of computer languages.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Development Studies

Study the enormous differences in living standards around the world and what we can do about it. Examine the relationships between people and institutions—from small communities, to government agencies and international organisations. Focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals that set out to address inequality in wealth, education and health around the world.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Ecology and Biodiversity

Learn about the huge diversity of plants, animals, and micro-organisms that live on earth. Ecology—how living things interact with their environment, and Biodiversity—the diversity among and within plant and animal species, go hand in hand to give you a broad understanding of life on earth. Study the effects of pollution and how human activities are creating problems for the survival of many species, and discover what can be done about it.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Electronic and Computer Systems

Learn the maths and physics that lie at the heart of electronics and mechatronics. Find out why electronic components act the way they do, and study programming and computer science. You'll work on group projects where you'll design and make electronic and mechatronic tools like robots, or medical devices like heart sensors.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is about how humans connect with and change the natural environment. Gain an understanding of this relationship, drawing on a range of sciences including Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths and Physics. The state of the planet is one of the biggest issues facing humankind today. Learn to assess environmental problems and find solutions.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Environmental Studies 

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Geography

Geology 

With this major you'll learn about the effects of shifting tectonic plates, how mountains are made and the power of volcanic eruptions. Work and research in the lab and out in the field to discover the origins of the solar system and how magma moves. You'll learn how and why rocks change in response to temperature and pressure, and look at fossils to understand the climate and environment of the past.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Geophysics — Meteorology

Look up to the sky and study Meteorology—the science of weather. You’ll use maths and physics to understand natural forces and explore the Earth’s atmosphere. Your research will include physical and satellite meteorology, mid-latitude weather systems and will even look at how humanity is influencing climate change.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Geophysics — Solid Earth

Solid Earth Geophysics investigates the ground beneath our feet. Understand the world’s most exciting physical phenomena as you use maths and physics to explore the structure and properties of our planet. Explain the Earth’s natural forces—earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building and the deep structure of the land—using your love for the outdoors and passion for maths and physics.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Marine Biology

Study life in the sea. You'll learn about the organisms that live in the ocean and how they interact with one another and their environment. Explore the waters around New Zealand—one of the most extraordinary and unspoilt marine ecosystems in the world. Learn at one of the leading centres for marine biology research in New Zealand.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Mathematics

Explore the potential of Mathematics while you confront some of the world’s most difficult unsolved intellectual challenges. Investigate techniques to solve problems that you can use in several disciplines including pure and social sciences, and that you can apply in a variety of professions. Learn from some of New Zealand's best research mathematicians. Begin by studying calculus, algebra, and discrete mathematics and then move on to explore more theoretical concepts or applied mathematics. Discover logic and computation, matroid theory and combinatorics, and general relativity and cosmology.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Physical Geography

Find out about the physical processes that continuously shape our Earth—like the movement of oceans and glaciers, earthquakes, the climate and animals. Discover the relationships between these different Earth System processes, and the ways that these can affect economic, social and environmental sustainability. Study the environment, water, glaciers and climate change. You'll also learn about techniques for geographical analysis (GIS), natural hazards, and coastal and land management.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Physics

With this major you'll get a thorough grounding in all aspects of classical and modern physics, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal physics and condensed matter physics. In Physics, you'll study the fundamental theories developed by pioneering physicists, such as Newton, Galileo, Faraday and Maxwell. In Modern Physics you'll explore the current understanding of interactions of matter, time and space, delving into quantum mechanics and relativity.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Psychology

Study the science behind our brains and our behavior. Gain insights into why people think, act and feel the way they do. Examine social behaviour, emotion, personality and motivation. You'll learn about perception—how our brains can tell red from blue or hot from cold—and discover the way we store and retrieve memories. Learn how psychological research is carried out, and how to use statistics to analyse findings in lab experiments.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School

Statistics

Learn to collect, analyse and interpret data. Statistics is a mathematical tool to help us understand today's information-rich world and statisticians work in many different industries—from the financial world to marketing campaigns to government policy. At Victoria you'll study both theory and practice and get the knowledge and skills you need to use statistics in the workplace. You're likely to focus on one of three different pathways—Mathematical Statistics, Applied Statistics, or Data Science.

Obtain approval for a coherent set of courses from the Head of School