About the programme
The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science is an NZQF level 8 programme at Lincoln University that develops the ability to apply science to key industries and to the management of the planet's resources. It carries 120 credits and takes 1 year of full-time study.
The programme deepens understanding of how scientific methods help solve problems in sectors such as agriculture, medicine, communications and transport. Just as important today is the role of science in managing the biosphere and conserving its resources, and the programme gives this area particular weight. Subject areas stretch from soil science and transport to environmental management.
Flexibility is the programme's main strength. Students complete 120 credits from the course schedule of the relevant master's degree and design their own two-semester plan. The applied science list includes biochemistry, microbiology, ecology and conservation, soil physics, chemistry and fertility, GIS, planning, environmental impact assessment, water management, environmental economics, agribusiness, finance, tourism and recreation, social and management research methods, and a course on Māori resource management. Courses run in both semesters, so it makes sense to plan the whole year at once.
The diploma can be taken as a standalone qualification or used as a step towards a master's degree. It is taught on the Lincoln University campus and suits graduates of a relevant bachelor's degree who want to broaden or deepen their scientific training and put it to practical use.
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
- BICH 601 General Biochemistry, BICH 636 Plant Biochemistry
- MICR 604 Advanced Microbiology
- ECOL 608 Research Methods in Ecology, ECOL 609 Conservation Biology
- SOSC 629 Soil Physics, SOSC 628 Soil Chemistry, SOSC 630 Soil Fertility and Management
- ERST 606 Advanced Geographic Information Systems A
- ERST 621 Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment
- WATR 603 Water Management, Policy and Planning
- MGMT 638 Agribusiness Organisations
- MAST 603 Mana Kaitiaki (Māori Resource Management)
- Electives from the relevant master's degree schedule
Post-study work visa
About 1 year
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