Skip Navigation LinksHome›Programmes›Applied Science›New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6)

New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6)

Level 6

Need Some Advice?Apply Now

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:
24 Feb 2025 – 28 Nov 2025
14 Jul 2025 – 19 Jun 2026

Domestic Fees: *
$8,702.00

Scholarship info

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

International Fees:*
$26,614.00

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.

Need Some Advice?Apply Now
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.

Expand All

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

Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor at 0800 468 265.

This programme consists of 120 credits. 

Bioscience in Industry 2 (15 Credits)
Learn to acquire the practical skills and theoretical knowledge in life sciences required to practise safety in a laboratory or industry setting. The course will cover:

  • Microbial degradation and bioremediation
  • Sampling, isolation, identification and enumeration of food-borne pathogens
  • HACCP plans and Food Safety Programmes
  • Water microbiology sampling 

Quality Assurance (15 Credits)
Learn to take a process-based approach to environmental quality and its assessment. The course will cover:

  • Bi-cultural perspectives on environmental quality and degradation
  • Water chemistry sampling and analysis for nutrients and major components
  • The environment and the Treaty of Waitangi
  • Interplay between nutrient status, micro-organisms and chemistry in aquatic systems
  • Aquifer structure and water quality
  • Water quality measure (industrial, natural and polluted waters – BOD, COD and water hardness)

Biostatistics 2 (15 Credits)
Learn to implement and maintain a statistically-based product sampling programme, interpret the results, and make recommendations. The course will cover:

  • Professional statistics software
  • Transform continuous data using statistical methods
  • Data analysis using ANOVA
  • Data analysis using regression and correlation
  • Data display
  • Control charting
  • Biostatistical data interpretation

Advanced Culture Techniques (15 Credits)
Learn to prepare and perform advanced laboratory techniques and investigate epidemiology. The course will cover:

  • Cultural perspectives on the use of biological tissues
  • Virus enumeration
  • Pathogen detection
  • Tissue culture
  • Epidemiology
  • Koch's postulates
  • Specialised media

Work Placement (30 Credits)
Go on supervised work experience in an applied science organisation. The course will cover:

  • 240 work integrated learning/work experience
  • Lectures – classroom/PC lab
  • Discussions
  • Practical demonstrations
  • Group work
  • Independent study
  • Workbooks
  • Practical Labs
Laboratory Instrumental Analytical Techniques (15 Credits)
Learn to analyse chemical elements and compounds employing commonly used instrumental and analytical methods. The course will cover:
  • Flame atomic absorption methods of analysis, FAAS, and UV/Visible spectroscopy
  • Infrared spectroscopy
  • UV/Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy
  • Gas chromatography, instrumentation and GC analysis
  • Ion exchange, column and size exclusion chromatography

Applied Science Investigation (15 Credits)

  • Characteristics of the applied science literature
  • Research design
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Evaluation and synthesis of information
  • Cultural, ethical and legal requirements
  • Use of specialised and generic software
  • Research presentation

  • 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.

Top