Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Advance your understanding of science, or computer and mathematical sciences in as little as one year with the Postgraduate Diploma in Science.

This coursework-based qualification includes courses from the Master of Science. You can choose from a wide range of courses in science, or computer and mathematical sciences. Throughout your studies you develop advanced analytical, planning and critical thinking skills. Graduates may progress to further study in the Master of Science or Master of Science (Research).

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Minimum entry requirements

If you have New Zealand qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science or equivalent OR
  • Graduate Diploma in Science or equivalent OR

If you have qualifications from another country

See entry requirements for students from other countries. Select your country from the dropdown menu.

Accepted qualification:
Bachelor of Science; Bachelor's degree (in a relevant professional subject)
Accepted undergraduate qualification duration:
Minimum 3 years
Accepted subject majors:
Biomedical Science; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Food Science; Geospatial Science; Marine Science; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Computer and Mathematical Sciences; or equivalent subject matter

Minimum scores

Percentage:
40
Degree classification:
n/a
Letter criteria:
D
GPA 10 point scale:
4

Accepted qualification:
1. Diploma IV-Sarjana sains terapan AND / OR
2. Sarjana (SI)
Accepted undergraduate qualification duration:
4 years
Accepted subject majors:
Biomedical Science; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Food Science; Geospatial Science; Marine Science; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Computer and Mathematical Sciences; or equivalent subject matter

Minimum scores

Percentage:
55
Degree classification:
n/a
Letter criteria:
C
GPA 4 point scale:
2

Accepted qualification:
Bachelor's degree
Accepted undergraduate qualification duration:
Minimum 3 years
Accepted subject majors:
Biomedical Science; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Food Science; Geospatial Science; Marine Science; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Computer and Mathematical Sciences; or equivalent subject matter

Minimum scores

Percentage:
50
Letter criteria:
C
GPA 4 point scale:
2

Accepted qualification:
1. Bachelor’s degree from prestigious university awarded up to 2022 AND / OR
2. Bachelor’s degree awarded from 2022 with an entry qual of Year 12 AND / OR
3. Bachelor’s degree from Section 1 institute as per NOOSR
Accepted undergraduate qualification duration:
4 years
Accepted subject majors:
Biomedical Science; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Food Science; Geospatial Science; Marine Science; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Computer and Mathematical Sciences; or equivalent subject matter

Minimum scores

GPA 4 point scale:
1
GPA 1 (Excellent)-5 point scale:
3

Accepted qualification:
Bachelor's degree
Accepted undergraduate qualification duration:
Minimum 4 years
Accepted subject majors:
Biomedical Science; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Food Science; Geospatial Science; Marine Science; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Computer and Mathematical Sciences; or equivalent subject matter

Minimum scores

Percentage:
60
Letter criteria:
D
GPA 4 point scale:
1

Accepted qualification:
Bachelor's degree
Accepted undergraduate qualification duration:
4 years
Accepted subject majors:
Biomedical Science; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Food Science; Geospatial Science; Marine Science; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Computer and Mathematical Sciences; or equivalent subject matter

Minimum scores

GPA 10 point scale:
5
GPA 4 point scale:
2

If your country is not listed, view our general entry requirements for postgraduate programmes

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

English language requirements

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science is a coursework programme with courses from those in the Master of Science. You complete courses to make up a total of 120 points. Enrolment in courses is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of courses.

Choose from a wide range of courses

You can complete this postgraduate diploma without a specialisation, and choose from a wide range of courses in computer and mathematical sciences, or science.

Specialisations in the Master of Science

To specialise in one of the areas listed below, complete the courses listed for this specialisation.

Not all courses are offered each year. To see if your chosen course is offered and to view its timetable use our course search.

Skills you will develop

The outcomes for graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science are outlined in the Graduate Profile below.

Graduate Profile

Quick facts
Programme code:
AK1038
Level:
8
Points:
120
Duration:
1 year full-time / part-time available
Campus:
City Campus
Starts:
23 Feb 2026
13 Jul 2026

Key semester dates
Fees
Domestic
$11,851.60 (for 120 points)
($10,630 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
International
Computing: $45,721.60 (for 120 points)
($44,500 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)

Science: $46,221.60 (for 120 points)
($45,000 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Scholarships

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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