The University of Otago Diploma in Science (DipSc) is a NZQA Level 5 qualification that enables highly motivated students without university entrance to gain a qualification allowing them to progress directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Science degree.
This fast-track co-requisite qualification is suitable for international and domestic students who narrowly miss New Zealand university entrance requirements and who are well placed to succeed in Level 5 studies and transition to university study through a focused and highly supported environment.
Passing the Diploma in Science leads into the second year of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree where students will have covered topics that allow them to specialise in more than twenty science majors.
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Programme details
Regulations for the Diploma in Science (DipSc)
Admission to the Programme
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
Every applicant shall either
be an international student with an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 5.5 (with no individual band less than 5.0) or equivalent; have completed the final year of their high school system; and have gained the equivalent of a minimum B- across at least three relevant subjects or
be a student whose achievement at NCEA Level 3 or equivalent is deemed sufficient to meet the requirements of the programme even if their achievement does not meet the requirements for matriculation to the University.
Duration of the Programme
Candidates for the diploma shall follow a programme of study for one year of full-time study.
The 54 points from Science Schedule C must include no more than 18 points in the first semester and no fewer than 36 points in the 100-level requirements for one major subject.
Transfer of Enrolment
Every student who completes the requirements of the programme of study may choose not to have the Diploma awarded and instead matriculate to the University and transfer the papers completed under the Diploma to any other undergraduate programme, subject to the regulations of that programme.
Any student who does not complete the requirements of the programme of study but passes a minimum of 72 points including 36 points in Science Schedule C papers may matriculate to the University and transfer the papers completed under the Diploma to any other undergraduate qualification, subject to the regulations of that programme.
No student who enrols in the Diploma may enter a professional health sciences programme in the Division of Health Sciences through the Health Science First Year pathway. For the avoidance of doubt, a student who enrols in the Diploma may be eligible to enter a professional health sciences programme through one of the other admissions pathways.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
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