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New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5)

Level 5

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Start your career as a laboratory technician with the UCOL New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5).

A UCOL learner working in the lab
Quick info

Level: 5

Locations: UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

Duration: 1 year full-time (41 weeks)
Part time option available.
(See Course Hours & Duration for details)

Dates:
14 Jul 2025 – 19 Jun 2026
16 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
20 Jul 2026 - 25 Jun 2027

Domestic Fees: *
$9,098.00

Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
$27,300.00

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

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Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students
Download the Enrolment Guide and Form - Domestic Students.

As a graduate of this diploma, you will be able to work with supervision in entry-level positions in science and technology-related fields including manufacturing and regulatory industries, field work, research and development.

Once qualified, you have the opportunity to become involved in laboratory work and routine operation in a variety of settings.

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This programme runs for 41 weeks, including 7 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time
20 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings. Timetable set by your lecturer.
    
Study Time
20 hrs

Study in your own time. You can also choose to study part-time. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

Science laboratory in:

  • Manufacturing industries
  • Regulatory industries
  • Research and development
  • Or staircase to further study

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Science Technicians, see careers.govt.nz

Education pathway

This qualification provides a pathway to:

This programme consists of 120 credits.

Professional Skills in Science (15 Credits)
Develop and apply the knowledge and skills to work effectively in an applied science setting, with an understanding of workplace legislative requirements.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Apply compliance requirements of health and safety legislation in an applied science work related environment
  • Communicate in oral and written contexts an applied science work related environment
  • Contribute to an applied science work related environment to apply hazard recognition and management principles
  • Use current computing technology to analyse data within an applied science work related environment

Quality Assurance in Applied Science (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills in organisational techniques for establishing, maintaining and improving quality assurance in a laboratory or other organisational unit.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Work collaboratively to apply industry-specific quality standards and approaches to product quality
  • Identify the elements that govern quality assurance in the laboratory or other applied science work related environment
Practical Laboratory Skills (15 Credits)
Develop and apply knowledge and skills to safely carry out a range of generic laboratory or workplace tasks.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Make and interpret measurements from a range of instruments and equipment
  • Demonstrate good practice related to safety, and sample handling and tracking in an applied science work related or research environment
Chemistry for Applied Science (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills to explore and apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to further study in chemistry and the applied sciences.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Describe the properties of chemical elements and compounds in terms of redox behaviour, acid-base properties, bonding, and reactivity
  • Apply practical chemistry skills in an applied science work related environment
Statistical Analysis for Applied Science (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills to prepare, analyse and report statistical concepts in a science or technology context.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Report on scientific data using a statistical package in an applied science work related environment
  • Apply probability distributions in a research or operational context
  • Apply introductory statistical inference processes in a research or operational context
Microbiology in Industry (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills to acquire the practical skills and theoretical knowledge in microbiology required to practise safely in a laboratory or industry setting.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Identify and differentiate microorganisms in an applied science work related environment
  • Perform bacterial enumeration, identification and reporting in an applied science work related environment
  • Describe bacterial cultivation and growth, and methods used to control microbial growth
Organic Chemistry for Applied Science (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills in organic chemistry and biochemistry
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Classify organic compounds
  • Describe properties and chemical reactions of specific functional groups
  • Describe structures and properties of selected biomolecules
  • Demonstrate practical skills in organic chemistry and biochemistry
Biochemistry for Applied Science (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills related to the structures and properties of biomolecules, their extraction and associated product quality requirements.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Describe the structures and properties of biological molecules
  • Describe commercial extraction and purification of biological materials, and related product safety considerations
  • Perform extraction and purification of biological materials in an operational or research context

Previous Related Programmes
The New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:
  • National Diploma in Science

  • Fonterra
  • Ag Research
  • NZ Pharmaceuticals
  • Gribbles

Fully resourced science labs including laboratory equipment and materials for biology, microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology and PC laboratories.

General admission 
To be admitted to this programme, applicants must hold NCEA Level 2, which must include 14 credits in science
OR 
A Level 4 qualification in science 
OR 
Relevant equivalent

Special admission 
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. 

Discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.

English language proficiency
All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme. 
For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL Te Pūkenga NCEA explained page.

 

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

Under 20 years of age
International applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency which must include a pass in one science subject.
OR 
Relevant equivalent

English language proficiency
International applicants are required to have an IELTS academic score of 5.5 with no individual band lower than 5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

To optimise chances of success, full attendance is strongly recommended. The availability of a particular elective course is subject to an appropriate number of students enrolling in that course and not all electives may be offered in any given intake.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:
  • National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
  • Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
  • Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
  • Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Blended delivery
This programme is offered on a blended delivery approach, a unique combination of online and face-to-face learning. Learners are advised to get a PC or a laptop and an internet connection. Please consult the programme leader about the PC or laptop specifications.

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the UCOL New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science Level 5 of approximately $195.00+:

Uniform
  • Covered footwear: $15+
  • Hair net or hair ties, if you have long hair: $10
Stationery
  • Scientific calculator: $34-130
  • Stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, paper etc): $30

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning Limited, a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.

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