Program Overview

Certificate in STEM

The Certificate in STEM is a 60-point undergraduate qualification that can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Points and Duration

The total number of points required to gain this qualification is 60, and it is expected to take 0.5 to 2 years to complete full-time.

Locations

The qualification is offered at the University of Waikato's Hamilton and Tauranga campuses. Please note that papers offered differ by location.

Area of Study

This qualification can be studied under the School of Science, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, or School of Engineering.

Start Dates

The qualification can be started in Trimester A (March) or Trimester B (July).

Why Study the Certificate in STEM?

The Certificate in STEM is ideal for those who wish to increase their skills and knowledge in STEM subjects. It is also suitable for school teachers who want to improve their knowledge and become STEM leaders within their schools. As a 60-point undergraduate qualification, it can be completed within a single trimester or on a part-time basis while in full-time employment.

Points and Duration

The total number of points required to gain this qualification is 60, and it is expected to take 0.5 to 2 years to complete full-time.

Locations

The qualification is offered at the University of Waikato's Hamilton and Tauranga campuses. Please note that papers offered differ by location.

Area of Study

This qualification can be studied under the School of Science, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, or School of Engineering.

Start Dates

The qualification can be started in Trimester A (March) or Trimester B (July).

Degree Information

Entry Requirements

There are five ways to gain admission to the University of Waikato:

1. NCEA University Entrance
2. Admission at entrance level
3. Discretionary entrance
4. University Entrance prior to 2015
5. Special admission.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
• Scholarships: Available for domestic students. Visit the Scholarship finder for more information.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of the Certificate of STEM will have:

• A strengthened understanding and background in STEM subjects.
• Increased confidence and preparedness to teach STEM subjects at primary or secondary level (for those with an existing teaching qualification).
• Skills to assist schools in dealing with the current critical shortage of STEM-qualified teachers.
• A platform to proceed to further study in a STEM subject or subjects.
• Demonstrated ability in critical thinking and evaluation skills, self-directed learning skills, self-motivation, intellectual flexibility and adaptability, oral and communication skills, and time management skills.
• A better awareness of the preparation in STEM subjects that secondary students need before they go on to university study.

Subjects

Students can take four papers at 100 level or above in subjects offered by the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, the School of Science, and the School of Engineering. Subjects include:

• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth Sciences
• Ecology and Biodiversity
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Materials Science
• Mathematics
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Statistics

A pedagogy paper with the School of Education relevant to STEM subjects could be included, further supporting the ability to teach in the new subject.

Study Full Time in B Trimester

It is possible to complete the Cert(STEM) in one trimester starting mid-July. Some possible paper combinations include:

Hamilton

• Computer Science: COMPX101, COMPX161, COMPX151, CSMAX101
• Science: BIOEB102, EARTH101, ENVSC101, DATAX111

Tauranga

• Science: BIOEB102, CHEMY100, EARTH101, DATAX111

Study Part Time in B Trimester

Please note that all papers in B Trimester will be delivered online as well as on campus. Some possible paper combinations include:

• Computer Science: COMPX101, COMPX161, ENGEN103, COMPX102

What Our Students Are Saying

Several students have shared their experiences and thoughts about studying at the University of Waikato:

1. Field trips are one of the best parts of studying Earth Sciences.
2. The PhD programme at the University of Waikato allows you to start research from the very first day.
3. University scholarships and awards, work placements, and a masters research collaboration gave a competitive advantage when seeking employment.
4. Lecturers take the time to explain new ideas when asked, and those conversations were some of the most valuable learning moments.
5. The University was supportive of goals, even when the combination of papers wasn’t part of the usual offering.