If you want to study science at university level without having to commit to full-time degree study initially, you might consider the Certificate in Science (CertSc).
It is also an option if you want to take a few courses for interest, or study part-time.
Entry requirements
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
Students with English as an additional language are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.
For information on the enrolment process, please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.
How do I plan my certificate?
Possible qualification structure for Certificate in Science
Each small block represents a 15-point course.
For full course requirements, see the Regulations for the Certificate in Science.
The Certificate in Science is made up of 60 points (four standard courses) at 100 and/or 200-level from Bachelor of Science subjects, and can be awarded in one of the Science subjects.
It can be completed within one semester (6 months) full-time, or part-time for up to 6 years.
You can transfer the credit you gain during the Certificate in Science to the Bachelor of Science (and some other degrees), as long as you have not graduated with the Certificate.
Subjects and courses
The CertSc requires four courses at 100 and/or 200-level in one of the following subjects:
- Geography
- Geology
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Astronomy
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Economics
- Environmental Science
- Finance
- Financial Engineering
Further study
The Certificate in Science can be used as a stepping stone to a Bachelor of Science.
Career Opportunities
UC Science graduates find work in a range of different fields and sectors. Depending on your chosen path, you can become anything from a seismologist to a soil technician, a meteorologist to a marine biologist, a psychologist to a policy advisor, a software engineer to a science writer, a forensic analyst to a food technician.
Waitaha Canterbury’s leading-edge IT sector is facing a shortage of qualified graduates, meaning UC Computer Science graduates in particular are in high demand.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
Tuition Fees
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
Domestic
| YEAR | POINTS | INFO | FEES (NZD) |
| 2020 | 60 | Banded Fee – total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $3,107 – $3,601 |
| 2020 | 60 | Data Science; Linguistics; Philosophy (Band 1) | $3,107 |
| 2020 | 60 | Economics; Finance (Band 2) | $3,288 |
| 2020 | 60 | Computer Science; Financial Engineering; Geography; Psychology (Band 3) | $3,470 |
| 2020 | 60 | Astronomy; Biochemistry; Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Geology; Medicinal Chemistry; Physics (Band 4) | $3,601 |
| 2020 | 60 | Mathematics; Statistics (Band 9) | $3,121 |
International
| YEAR | POINTS | INFO | FEES (NZD) |
| 2020 | 60 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $17,000 |
| 2021 | 60 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $17,750 |
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Certificate in Science.
For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see the College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao.
For more general information, email [email protected] or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).