Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science - Molecular Biotechnology

The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (PGDipAppSc) is a two semester programme, which builds on an undergraduate Applied Science degree. It allows people who are currently working to undertake blocks of study - one block for the certificate, a second block to complete the diploma. Alternatively, students may wish to complete the 120 point programme in a continuous run.
You could become involved in world-changing developments like finding new treatments for diseases, identifying important genetic traits, or helping solve crimes through new forensic techniques. You'll gain wide knowledge in the fields of genetics, biochemistry and microbiology that can be used in industries in New Zealand and around the world. You'll develop an appreciation of the impact of Molecular Biotechnology, and learn about the technology behind recent advances in the biological sciences.
There is worldwide demand for well-trained molecular biotechnologists. New Zealand already has a sound base in biotechnology, especially as it relates to healthcare innovation and the primary industries, with a range of research organisations and companies involved in biotechnology. You could find yourself cloning genes to identify new pharmaceuticals, or working with new vaccines. You could help develop identifying markers for beneficial genetic traits in animals or disease in humans, or work in areas like vaccine development, genomic analysis, or patenting. While your roles may vary in the different environments, your sound understanding of genetics, biochemistry and microbiology will provide you with a solid base from which to develop your future. There are the traditional research opportunities in Crown Research Institutes and universities, or openings in the commercial sector.

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

Every applicant must either

• be a graduate, or
• have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

In considering an applicant’s qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant’s performance in the programme.

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic module) (including IELTS Online) - Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21.
• C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) & (previously Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169).
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.
• Language Cert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill.
• NZCEL - NZCEL 5 Academic endorsement
• English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2).
• APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 4 or higher.

July commencement may be possible, although the duration of the qualification may be longer, or paper selection may be limited.