About the programme
The Graduate Diploma in Applied Science is an NZQF Level 7 programme at Lincoln University for degree holders who want to apply science to practical problems. It carries 120 credits and normally takes 1 year of full-time study.
The university observes that science has traditionally centred on industry, medicine, transport, communications, agriculture and technology, while today more weight is placed on its role in managing and conserving the biosphere and natural resources. The programme is designed for people who enjoy problem-solving and discovery and want to make a career of it.
Study can be steered towards one of several specialisations: agriculture, plant protection, environmental monitoring, ecology for nature conservation, food quality management, and science and entrepreneurship. This lets graduates from other fields gain applied scientific training in a chosen direction.
There is no fixed set of courses; the programme is assembled from the university's schedule of courses. Students need 120 credits, at least 75 of them at 300 level and no more than 15 at 100 level. At least 60 credits must come from the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology schedules. A course advisor helps turn the choices into a coherent programme.
Most of the year is therefore spent on advanced, third-year-level courses. It suits graduates who want to change direction or deepen their applied science knowledge without repeating a full degree.
Entry requirements
- A completed bachelor's degree from an accredited New Zealand higher education institution.
- Or an equivalent level of education.
- Additional English language requirements apply if English is not your first language.
What you study
- At least 75 credits at 300 level
- No more than 15 credits at 100 level
- At least 60 credits from the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology schedules
- Possible streams: agriculture, plant protection, environmental monitoring, ecology for nature conservation, food quality management, science and entrepreneurship
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website