About the programme
The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science is an NZQF level 8 programme at Lincoln University built from courses in the university's master's-level science programmes. It carries 60 credits and takes half a year of full-time study, usually a single semester.
Science has powered progress in agriculture, food production, medicine, transport and communications, and today it increasingly focuses on better ways to manage and protect the biosphere and its natural resources. The certificate lets students deepen their knowledge in this area and apply science to practical problems.
Flexibility is the programme's defining feature. Students design their own study plan from the course schedules of four master's degrees: the Master of Agricultural Science, Master of Horticultural Science, Master of Applied Science and Master of Science. Options are broad, from biochemistry, microbiology, ecology and soil science to GIS, planning, research methods, environmental economics, agribusiness, finance and tourism, including a course on Māori resource management. The certificate is awarded for 60 credits passed under the regulations of the relevant master's degree.
It can be taken as a standalone qualification or used as a stepping stone: by adding one or two semesters, students can upgrade to a postgraduate diploma or a master's degree. The programme is taught on the Lincoln University campus and suits graduates of a relevant bachelor's degree who want to broaden their scientific training or try postgraduate study before committing to a full programme.
Entry requirements
- A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent, with at least a B- average in 300-level and final-year courses
- Additional English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
What you study
- Courses chosen from the schedules of the Master of Agricultural Science, Master of Horticultural Science, Master of Applied Science and Master of Science
- BICH 601 General Biochemistry, BICH 633 Protein Biochemistry
- ECOL 608 Research Methods in Ecology, ECOL 609 Conservation Biology
- MICR 604 Advanced Microbiology
- SOSC 627 Advanced Soil Resources, SOSC 629 Soil Physics
- ERST 606 Advanced Geographic Information Systems A
- ERST 632 Economics in Environmental Policy
- MGMT 638 Agribusiness Organisations, MGMT 624 International Agribusiness Systems
- MAST 603 Mana Kaitiaki (Māori Resource Management)
- WATR 603 Water Management, Policy and Planning
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification alone
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