Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Laboratory Technology

Overview

Expand on your science knowledge and skills for a career as a laboratory technician. Our one-year programme, designed in collaboration with New Zealand employers, provides specific knowledge, practical skills, and relevant analytical techniques for work as a laboratory technician. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to interpret results.

What Will I Study

You'll gain an understanding of laboratory quality management practice and reporting skills suitable for international quality standards, and have the skills to work independently and within groups. Personal skills such as punctuality, teamwork, and time management will be developed.

You'll have the opportunity to enrich and broaden your knowledge with electives in areas such as microbiology, analytical and environmental chemistry, food microbiology, and molecular biology. The programme also includes a research project and work placement element to ensure you're work-ready when you graduate.

Pathway

• Part-time up to 3 years

Details

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,085 - $8,995 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in science relevant to this qualification gained within the last five years or recent relevant experience.

Alternative Requirements

• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
• Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

English Requirements

• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
• The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 6.5 Listening
• 6.0 Reading
• 6.0 Writing
• 6.5 Speaking

Funding Assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core Courses

• Biological Chemistry
• Introduction to Programming
• Database Design
• IT Practitioner Fundamentals
• Quality Assurance in Applied Science
• Practical Laboratory Skills
• Chemistry for Applied Science
• Biochemistry for Applied Science

Elective Courses

• Level 5:
  • Business-to-Business Sales and Marketing
  • Global Challenges; Sustainable Futures
  • Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Operations Management
  • Project Management for Applied Science
  • Advanced Biochemistry for Applied Science
  • Environmental Assessment for Applied Science
  • Project Design and Analysis in Applied Science
• Level 6:
  • Strategic Management
  • Food Chemistry
  • Applied Project
  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Food Microbiology
  • Laboratory Standards and Practice
  • Molecular Biology
  • Work Integrated Learning 1
  • Work Integrated Learning 2

Career Opportunities

• With hands-on laboratory and industry experience, you will position yourself ahead of your peers for employment which can lead to positions of responsibility within a range of fields including health, animal, food, manufacturing, research, and environmental laboratories.

Study Pathways

• Certificate in Quality Systems Level 6; membership of NZOQ (New Zealand Organisation for Quality); in-service courses from IANZ (International Accreditation of New Zealand); Registered Medical Laboratory Technician (New Zealand Medical Laboratory Science Board).

Programme Details

• Type: Graduate Certificate / Diploma
• Code: CH3700
• Application close date: Accepted throughout the year, but preferably before 30 November.
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: 20 January for February start, 20 June for July start
• Credits: 120
• Level: 7
• Additional Equipment/Fees: $500 approx for textbooks per year, travel to work placements
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Available Part-time: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: CH3700-STRU

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

• You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid-19 vaccination status to apply for this programme. However, most placement providers will require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated before allowing you to complete a placement at their organisation. Placements are an integral part of this programme and you’ll need to complete these to be able to successfully achieve your qualification.

Credit Recognition

• If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.