Career Choices Day - Rotokauri Campus
Ready to discover what’s possible? Join us for an action-packed day at our Rotokauri Campus where you’ll get a real taste of student life and explore the exciting pathways available to you!
New Zealand Certificate in Applied Science (Level 3)
NZ2550
Course details
-
Feb 2027Jul 2027
- One semester
- Full-time or Part-time
- $4,684*
- You may qualify for fee-free study under the Fees Free Policy
- Level 3
- Available for International Students. International Fee Guideline
- 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 Code | Module title | Level | Credits | Pre-requisites | Co-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSCI3101 | Professional Skills in Applied Science | 3 | 15 | ||
| NSCI3102 | Making Sense of Data | 3 | 15 |
Elective modules
| Module Code | Module title | Level | Credits | Pre-requisites | Co-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSCI3104 | Introduction to Mathematics | 3 | 15 | ||
| NSCI3105 | Engineering Calculations and Materials | 3 | 15 | ||
| NSCI3106 | The Science of Food and the Environment | 3 | 15 | ||
| NSCI3111 | Applied Science Project | 3 | 15 |
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 Applied Science, 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 (eg manufacturing and regulatory industries, fieldwork, research and development).
For graduates currently working in food production or environmental management, this qualification will strengthen and expand their knowledge in these fields.
Events
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.
Click the button below to see full details of the entry criteria.
Do not meet the entry criteria or need more information?
Pathways
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.
Are you new to this programme? Book a visit with one of our Kaiāwhina, where you can bring your whānau to get prepared, tour the Campus, and step into your first day with confidence.
Semester 1 2026
Date: Monday 9 February 2026
Time: 9am
Venue: Dg.20, City Campus
Semester 2 2026
Date: Monday 20 July 2026
Time: 9am
Venue: Dg 1.24, City Campus
If you are a returning student, you are welcome to join us for the Induction session to meet the new students.
If you have a laptop, you can bring that along, as well as a pen and notebook.
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
Need help? Want to know how to get started?
Leave your details here and we will come back to you: