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New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6)

Level 6

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Qualify as a laboratory technician with the UCOL New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6).

Learners in the UCOL lab using pipettes
Quick info

Level: 6

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: *
$9,218.00

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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PDF
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 independently as a laboratory technician in science and technology-related fields including manufacturing and regulatory industries, field work, research and development.

Once qualified, you have the opportunity to work with some of New Zealand's leading scientists in a wide range of scientific disciplines including biochemistry, chemistry, immunology, microbiology and molecular biology.

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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
18 hrs

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

  • Industrial laboratory technician
  • Research technician
  • Quality assurance technician

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

This programme consists of 120 credits. 

Applied Science Workplace Legislation (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills to undertake work placement or enter employment with an understanding of the compliance obligations of a typical applied science workplace.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Apply compliance requirements of relevant legislation in an applied science workplace
  • Apply industry-specific quality standards and advanced approaches to product quality
Applied Science Work Placement 1 (15 Credits) 
Gain the knowledge and skills that enable students to actively engage in an applied science workplace, and critically reflect on their experience. 
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Reflect on working within legislative requirements of an applied science workplace
  • Contribute to the outcomes in an applied science workplace
  • Critically reflect on professional practice in an applied science workplace
Applied Science Investigation Project (15 Credits) 
Gain the knowledge and skills that enable students to undertake an applied science investigation, evaluate and present the data.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Undertake an applied science investigation, including design and data evaluation
  • Analyse results of an applied science investigation and communicate using appropriate technology
Quality Statistics for Applied Science (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills that enable students to use quality assurance data in an applied science operational or research context.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Interpret applied science statistical data collected for quality assurance, operational, and/or research purposes
  • Apply professional statistics software in quality management, operational, and/or research contexts
Analytical Chemistry for Applied Science (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills required to operate and trouble-shoot a range of instruments used for chemical analysis.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Perform analyses using common instrumental techniques
  • Evaluate analytical instrumentation results and account for sources of error
Advanced Culture Techniques for Applied Science (15 Credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills to enable students to prepare and perform advanced applied science laboratory techniques and investigate epidemiology.  
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Use epidemiology principles to investigate infectious diseases
  • Apply specialised techniques to investigate organisms in an applied science context
Molecular Methodologies for Applied Science (15 Credits)
Gain knowledge of the principles and methods of molecular biology and the skills to apply these in an applied science context.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
  • Analyse the structure and physical properties of nucleic acids and proteins
  • Conduct appropriate molecular analyses of organisms in a range of food and environmental samples
Applied Science Work Placement 2 (15 Credits)
Further develop the knowledge and skills to actively engage in an applied science workplace, and critically reflect on your experience.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge, skills, and attributes to practice in an applied science workplace
  • Reflect on individual contribution to routine and non-routine tasks in an applied science workplace
  • Reflect on professional practice and identify opportunities for future learning


  • Fonterra
  • Ag Research
  • NZ Pharmaceuticals
  • Gribbles

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

General admission 
New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5) or an equivalent Level 5 science qualification.

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
New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5) or equivalent.

OR

Relevant equivalent

English language proficiency
International applicants are required to have an IELTS academic score of 6 with no individual band lower than 5.5 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 learners 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. Students are advised to get a PC or a laptop and an internet connection. Please consult the programme leader about the PC or laptop specifications.
 

Previous Related Programme

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

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the UCOL New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science Level 6 of approximately $190.00:

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

Text book

  • (To be advised)

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, a business division of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.

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