Skip to content
Scientist examining eye dropper sample

Applied Science 3

New Zealand Certificate in Applied Science (Level 3)

SX1706

Course details

  • Jul 2023
    Feb 2024
  • One semester
  • Full-time or Part-time
  • $3,904*
  • You may qualify for fee-free study under Fees Free Policy
  • Level 3
  • Hamilton City Campus or Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
A new version of this programme is coming soon.

As part of our move into Te Pūkenga, we are excited to be part of a large-scale review of courses. This is ongoing, meaning course details will change, including duration, pathways, levels, fees and entry requirements. In the meantime, applications are open, and we welcome you to apply. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Summary

This programme is a starting point for those interested in a career in science and/or engineering. You will study one compulsory module, Professional Skills in Applied Science 1, then choose a context and modules from one of two contexts – Applied Science or Engineering.

Science context
Besides learning theory, you will get to go on field trips, such as:
  • A visit to a native tree nursery to learn about eco-sourcing and eco-restoration
  • To Lake Ngaroto to investigate plant and animal communities in a scrub ecosystem
  • To a local dog handler who trains and works dogs that detect American Foul Brood in beehives
  • To Waikato Valley Chocolate factory to learn about food processing
They will also take part in in-class/on-campus practical lab work, including:
  • Testing the anti-bacterial action of honey
  • Honey sensory lab
  • Native tree identification
  • Testing physical and chemical properties of soil samples and identifying invertebrates collected on a field trip
  • Fieldwork sampling techniques

Engineering context
You will learn theory and get to carry out investigations in the lab, including experiments on centroids and using Hook’s law.

A wide range of topics in the physics module are covered and investigations will include experiments on:
  • Gravitational constants,
  • energy,
  • magnetism,
  • electricity, and
  • optics. 

This programme provides a pathway for entry into higher-level science programmes, or to one of our engineering diplomas, for those who do not already meet the academic entry requirements.

Upon completing this programme, graduates can progress to further study in Applied Science 5, or graduates from the engineering context will be able to further study in engineering.

View programme modules

Note: no value in the pre/co-requisite columns means there are no pre/co-requisites for that module.

Group A: Compulsory module all contexts:

Module CodeModule titleLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
SCIE301Professional Skills in Applied Science 3315
 

 

​​Group B: Elective modules for Applied Science context:

Module CodeModule titleLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
FSCB301The Science of Food & the Environment315
 
FSCB303Introduction to Food Processing315  
SCIE303Making Sense of Data 1315  
SCIE401English for Applied Science415
 
FSCB302Introduction to Food Assurance315  
SCIE304Environmental Management Practices 1315  
ECOL301New Zealand Ecosystems315  
SCIE305Applied Science Project315  

 

Group C: Elective modules for Engineering context:

Module codeModule titleLevelCreditsPre-requisitesCo-requisites
PHYS301Physics315
 
MATH301Mathematics315  
SCIE303Making Sense of Data 1315  
SCIE401English for Applied Science415
 
SCIE302Engineering Calculations & Materials315  

Note: Not all modules are offered every semester. Please contact us to check individual module availability.

Career/further opportunities

On completion of this programme, graduates from the science context can progress on to further study in Applied Science 5, the Bachelor of Technology, or graduates from the engineering context can go on to study the Diploma in Engineering (Level 6).

Graduates will also have the skills and knowledge to work under supervision as an assistant in entry-level operational positions in science, engineering and/or mathematics-related fields of work (eg manufacturing and regulatory industries, fieldwork, research and development).

For graduates currently working in the fields of food production or environmental management, this qualification will support and enhance their knowledge in these areas.

Disclaimers

Entry criteria

You can apply for this programme if you meet one of the below options.

Based on your school achievement (secondary school study)

  • 20 credits at NCEA Level 1; including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits;
  • Or a recognised equivalent.

Based on study completed after school (tertiary study)

  • A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2;
  • Or a recognised equivalent. ​

Based on discretionary entrance

If you don’t meet any of the above options, and you think you have what it takes to complete this programme, you can apply for discretionary entrance. Your application may be accepted if you can demonstrate a good chance of success. Approval of discretionary entrance applications is decided by the relevant manager. If your application is approved, your acceptance into further programmes relies on you demonstrating success in this programme.

English language requirements

Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 5.0 across all academic bands; or equivalent.

Want to see full details of the entry criteria?
Don't meet the entry criteria?

Pathways

Applied Science pathway diagram

To check what you need to gain entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.

Your first day

Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.

Students starting Semester 2 2023

Date: Monday 17 July
Time: 10.30am
Venue: Dg.36, D Block, City Campus

Please bring a pen and notebook with you on your first day, and be prepared to stay for classes if necessary.

What you will need

Timetable information

All Wintec timetables are available online here.

How to find your way around

Campus maps can be found here.

Parking and bus information

Both the Rotokauri and City campuses have parking available - permits are required. Learn more about parking and find out about discounted bus services here.

He reo pōwhiri, your official welcome to Wintec

Tēnei te mihi mahana ki a koe e piki nei, e kake nei ki te Kuratini o Waikato.

You are warmly invited to attend the official welcome to Wintec for all new students, staff and whānau (family) at either our marae, Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa or Rotokauri campus. The pōwhiri is a welcoming ceremony involving mihimihi (speeches), waiata (singing), and will conclude with kai timotimo (light refreshments). Please gather at the campus hubs, and a staff member will guide you through our pōwhiri.

Click here to find out when the next pōwhiri will be.

Paying for your study

Course-related costs

Additional information

Booklist

Purchasing textbooks

If your programme requires you to have access to textbooks, these can be purchased through a range of suppliers listed below:

    New Zealand-based suppliers

    General book suppliers

    First aid certificate

    Health status

    Uniform

    Equipment

    Clinical placement

    Prospectus (course guide)

    The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.

    Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus

    The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.

    Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus

    Portfolio

    Need help? Want to know how to get started?

    Leave your details here and we will come back to you:

    Wintec is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn More

    Learn with purpose

    Explore Te Pūkenga

    Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

    Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

    Copyright © 2022 Wintec