A postgraduate diploma is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a masters’ What is it like? Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Microbiology) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a masters level. The programme consists of 90 credits of taught programmes and 30 credits of research. The programme gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability. If you complete the programme at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Master of Science (Microbiology). If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the masters programme.

If you are interested in pursuing further research, microbiology is a key discipline of biological studies and is a particularly useful skill for work in medical, dental and veterinary schools. There are also roles in the legal sector, for instance assisting with the drafting of patents and technology transfer agreements. Big pharma and biotechnology industries are key employers, however there are numerous other opportunities in cosmetics, breweries, and oil industries. For instance industrial microbiology (production of antibiotics, microbial products), vaccines,, cosmetics and toiletries, food and bevarage production, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, oil industry and mining, breweries, the dairy industry.