PGDipForensic - Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

The PGDipForensic is an advanced qualification designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in science or technology related topics. It provides graduates with specialised knowledge and skills in the field of forensic science.
Taught at the School of Chemical Sciences, the PGDipForensic covers a broad range of topics. From DNA analysis to the development of new molecules to aid in the visualisation of fingerprint residues, students will learn about forensic data, chemical analysis, forensic biology and the statistical treatment of forensic data.

The PGDipForensic programme is a 120-point taught diploma that involves one year of full-time study, with a part-time option available (up to four years of study).

The PGDipForensic prepares graduates for employment in the forensic science field.

Document examiner
ESR technician
Fingerprint examiner
Forensic geologist
Forensic scientist
Laboratory technician
Pharmaceutical representative

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

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You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters .

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships and awards

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Cost of living

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This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2025 Semester One	01 November 2024	03 March 2025	30 June 2025
2025 Semester Two	04 July 2025	21 July 2025	17 November 2025
2025 Semester One		02 March 2026	29 June 2026
2025 Semester Two		20 July 2026	16 November 2026

1 - 4

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

The regulations for this postgraduate diploma are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

1 In order to be admitted to this postgraduate diploma, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

2 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances, the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

4 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

5 The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

6 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must complete the requirements as listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science Schedule.

7 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

8 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

9 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

10 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Complete 120 points comprising:

105 points from Forensic Science Courses, and
15 points from UOFAK - University of Auckland including child orgs at levels 600 to 700 Other Courses, and
1 item from Academic Integrity Course