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University of Canterbury

Christchurch , Christchurch ,New Zealand

Postgraduate Diploma in Science - Biological Sciences

Biology means the study of living things. Biologists investigate animals, plants, and microbes in many different ways, and on a huge range of scales from molecules and cells to individual organisms, populations, and ecosystems.

The Biological Sciences programme is broad and flexible, allowing students to study multiple aspects of the biological sciences or take on an interdisciplinary approach. These approaches fit well with the School of Biological Sciences’ philosophy of embracing modern trends and preparing students well for future science careers.  

During the past few decades, the study of biology has undergone rapid change and has had a significant impact on the way we live. We are now able to produce antibiotics and vaccines, grow disease-resistant crops, transplant organs, and manipulate genes. Biologists today are actively researching solutions to vital concerns such as increasing world food supply, improving and protecting our environment, and conquering disease.

Many biological sciences jobs now require collaboration across multiple fields of knowledge. For example climate change requires ecologists, microbiologists, physiologists, geographers, data modellers and many others to work together to understand complex interrelated fields. Being able to work in a team and have a broad science background is important to advance our understanding of these challenges we face.

Campus Information

Ilam Campus

The University has a main campus of 76 hectares (190 acres) at Ilam, a suburb of Christchurch about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the centre of the city.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 20

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Academic entry requirements

Students require a Bachelor of Science, or any bachelor's degree with approved undergraduate science courses. The precise prerequisites vary for each major subject, but are normally at least a B- Grade Point Average in 300-level courses.