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Scientist examining eye dropper sample

New Zealand Certificate in Applied Science (Level 3)

NZ2550

Course details

  • Feb 2025
    Jul 2025
  • One semester
  • Full-time or Part-time
  • $4,254*
  • You may qualify for fee-free study under Fees Free Policy
  • Level 3
  • Hamilton City Campus or Hamilton Rotokauri Campus

Summary

This programme is a starting point for those interested in a career in science or engineering. You will study compulsory modules and then choose two elective modules.

Besides learning theory, you will get to go on field trips, such as:
  • A visit to a native tree nursery to learn about eco-sourcing and eco-restoration
  • To Lake Ngaroto to investigate plant and animal communities in a scrub ecosystem
  • To a local dog handler who trains and works dogs that detect American Foul Brood in beehives
  • To Waikato Valley Chocolate Factory to learn about food processing
You will also come on campus and take part in class practical lab work, including:
  • Testing the anti-bacterial action of honey
  • Honey sensory lab
  • Native tree identification
  • Testing physical and chemical properties of soil samples and identifying invertebrates collected on a field trip
  • Fieldwork sampling techniques
  • Centroids experiments and using Hook’s law
Additionally, a wide range of topics are covered in the physics module and investigations will include experiments on:
  • Gravitational constants
  • Energy
  • Magnetism
  • Electricity
  • Optics

This programme provides a pathway for entry into higher-level science programmes or to one of our four engineering diplomas, for those who do not already meet the academic entry requirements. 

View programme modules

Note: no value in the pre/co-requisite columns means there are no pre/co-requisites for that module.

Compulsory modules

Module CodeModule titleLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
NSCI3101
Professional Skills in Applied Science
315
 
NSCI3102Making Sense of Data315  

Elective modules

Module CodeModule titleLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
NSCI3103Introduction to Physics315
 
NSCI3104Introduction to Mathematics315  
NSCI3105Engineering Calculations and Materials315  
NSCI3106The Science of Food and the Environment315  
NSCI3107New Zealand Ecosystems315
 
NSCI3108Introduction to Environmental Management Practices315  
NSCI3109Introduction to Food Processing315  
NSCI3110Introduction to Food Assurance315  
NSCI3111Applied Science Project315  

Note: Not all modules are offered every semester. Please contact us to check individual module availability.

Career/further opportunities

On completion of this programme, graduates from the science context can progress on to further study in New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5), the Bachelor of Technology, or graduates with an engineering context can go on to study the Diploma in Engineering (Level 6).

Graduates will also have the skills and knowledge to work under supervision as an assistant in entry-level operational positions in science, engineering and/or mathematics-related fields of work (e.g. manufacturing and regulatory industries, fieldwork, research and development).

For graduates currently working in the fields of food production or environmental management, this qualification will support and enhance their knowledge in these areas.

Disclaimers

Entry criteria

General admission
There is open entry to this programme although you must demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success.

English language requirements
International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency and are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic band score of 5.0, with no individual band score lower than 5.0 from one test taken in the last two years, or equivalent described in NZQA Rules.

Do not meet the entry criteria or need more information?

Pathways

Applied Science pathway diagram

To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.

Your first day

Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.

Semester 1 2025

Date: Monday 10 February 2025
Time: 9am-12pm
Venue: To be confirmed, City Campus

Please bring a pen and notebook with you on your first day, and be prepared to stay for classes if necessary.

What you will need

Timetable information

All Wintec timetables are available online here.

How to find your way around

Campus maps can be found here.

Parking and bus information

Both the Rotokauri and City campuses have parking available - payment and permits may be required. The Gardens Campus has free parking available. Learn more about parking and find out about bus services here.

He reo pōwhiri, your official welcome to Wintec

Tēnei te mihi mahana ki a koe e piki nei, e kake nei ki te Kuratini o Waikato.

You are warmly invited to attend the official welcome to Wintec for all new students, staff and whānau (family) at either our marae, Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa or Rotokauri campus. The pōwhiri is a welcoming ceremony involving mihimihi (speeches), waiata (singing), and will conclude with kai timotimo (light refreshments). Please gather at the campus hubs, and a staff member will guide you through our pōwhiri.

Click here to find out when the next pōwhiri will be.

Paying for your study

Course-related costs

Additional information

Booklist

Purchasing textbooks

If your programme requires you to have access to textbooks, these can be purchased through a range of suppliers listed below:

    New Zealand-based suppliers

    General book suppliers

    First aid certificate

    Health status

    Uniform

    Equipment

    Clinical placement

    Prospectus (course guide)

    The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.

    Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus

    The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.

    Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus

    Portfolio

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