Postgraduate Certificate in Science
Course details
| NZQF Level | 8 |
|---|
About the course
Boost your career opportunities and extend your knowledge with advanced study in your field of science.
Gain a more in-depth understanding of your scientific subject area and boost your career opportunities with a PGCertSc.
The Certificate will take you one trimester of full-time study to complete, or two trimesters if you study part time. During this time, you can further develop your subject knowledge, data analysis expertise, or skills in science communication. The programme can also provide a pathway into Master’s study.
You’ll take courses worth a total of 60 points, and with some subjects you may be able to do a 30-point research project.
If you want to gain advanced scientific knowledge—and if you have at least a B-average Bachelor’s degree or professional experience in your subject area—then a PGCertSc is a good option for you.
Other study options
If you get a B+ average grade in the PGCertSc, you may be able to convert your programme into a postgraduate diploma or Master’s programme. The University also offers a number of specialist postgraduate diplomas.
If you don’t have the required background for entry into the PGCertSc, you could do a Graduate Diploma in Science instead. The GDipSc is made up of undergraduate- rather than postgraduate-level science courses.
Get the postgraduate handbook
Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.
Download the handbook
Workload
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 hours of work.
Support
As a postgraduate student, you’ll be in smaller classes and will have the opportunity to build closer relationships with academic staff. You’ll have access to a work space in your school with a computer and printer.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in relevant subject with at least a B-range average.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.