Course details

Summary

Graduate certificates are intended to develop your knowledge and skills in a subject area that is different to your first degree's major. You may be eligible if you haven't studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability. By choosing to study a graduate certificate you can quickly develop career competency in a single subject area.

A graduate certificate is a shorter version of a graduate diploma, is studied at undergraduate level, and can be completed in the equivalent of one semester of full-time study.

Physics

Physics aims to understand the entire physical world, from the sub-atomic to the cosmological.

In the Faculty of Science & Engineering, Physics is taught at a post-graduate level. By studying with us you will develop a thorough understanding of theoretical physics and gain advanced knowledge in areas such as quantum theory and biophysics.

Many famous scientists, such as Einstein and Newton were physicists. Physicists are versed in mathematics, computer programming, experimental science and the design of complex instruments. They are among the most versatile scientists, able to easily cross boundaries into other disciplines such as chemistry, biology, medicine, Earth and planetary sciences. There are biophysicists, geophysicists, astrophysicists and neurophysicists.

At the University of Waikato our academic staff are leading the way in biophysics. both experimental and theoretical, including measuring and modelling the electrical activity in the brain for applications such as anaesthesia and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Career opportunities

• Applications Engineer
• Avionics Engineer
• Electronics Engineer
• Medical Physicist
• Meteorologist
• Satellite Information Processor

Entry criteria

A qualification considered equivalent to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree with a B average.

English language requirements:

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in writing); iBT (internet based TOFEL) - 90 with a score of 22 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic- 65 with English language requirements no less than 58 for each communicative skill; From Waikato Pathways College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic (CAAE) programme.