Course details

Summary

‌Chemistry is the central science. It deals with the composition, structure and behaviour of the atoms and molecules that make up all forms of matter. Understanding the world at an atomic level is essential to all areas of science. Chemistry interlinks and contributes to medicine, geology, materials science, molecular physics, biology and astronomy.

Its central role in science is emphasised by the fact that Chemistry merges with Biological Sciences (the field of biochemistry) at one extreme and with Physics (physical chemistry and chemical physics) at the other.

Chemistry propels advances in modern society and has an important role to play in solving major global challenges such as energy sustainability, food supply, health and the environment. Every day we utilise products developed by experimental chemists such as plastics, fabrics, petrol and pharmaceuticals.

This diploma offers people who hold a bachelor's degree in a major in an unrelated area the opportunity to study science in-depth. It is designed to provide a qualification for graduates seeking to qualify for entry to postgraduate qualifications in science, change career direction, or to extend or upgrade their existing qualifications.

The GradDipSc may be awarded with Distinction.

Qualification structure and duration

Students take courses from the Bachelor of Science schedule and are required to pass courses totalling a minimum of 120 points including 90 points at 300-level.

Further study

This qualification is an ideal pathway into postgraduate study.

Career opportunities

New Zealand's unique mix of primary and secondary industries provides a wide choice of careers in chemistry. Expanding industries in New Zealand, for example those related to new sources of energy and to the development of forestry and dairy resources, are further increasing the demand for qualified chemists.

New Zealand needs chemists in teaching, industry, health and research.

• Chemists are key members of developmental teams in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Industry uses chemists in such areas as research and development of new products, monitoring product composition and quality, and environmental monitoring and regulation.
• Hospitals and other health services employ chemists in areas such as biochemical research, medical analysis and toxicology.
• A degree in Chemistry is a good start to a teaching career with its emphasis on laboratory work and its relevance to other sciences.
• The majority of chemical research in New Zealand is done in universities, Crown Research Institutes and private laboratories. These institutions provide chemical challenges equal to any in the world.

Chemists are well trained in problem-solving and skilled at handling information, which leads naturally into a wide diversity of job opportunities including, for example, sales and management.

Entry criteria

Graduate diplomas require a bachelor's degree. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to ensure they are of an equivalent standard.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.