Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5)
Version
1
Type
Diploma
Level
5
Credits
120
NZSCED
010000
Natural and Physical Sciences
Qualification developer
Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology
Next review
December 2019
Approval date
January 2015
Strategic purpose statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide individuals with
theoretical and/or technical knowledge within a range of natural
and physical sciences for employment and/or progression to
higher level qualifications.
The qualification will also identify for the science-related sectors
of Aotearoa New Zealand those employees who are able to
work independently in routine operational positions in the
manufacturing and regulatory industries, field work, research
and development.
Outcome Statement
Graduate profile
Education pathway
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
-
select and apply scientific principles to carry out tasks
-
collect, process, and evaluate scientific data in an operational
or research context
-
recognise common problems with processes and suggest
solutions
-
contribute to a team in a scientific workplace and have
responsibility for outcomes.
This qualification builds on the New Zealand Certificate in
Applied Science (Level 4) [Ref: 2551].
This qualification leads to the New Zealand Diploma in Applied
Science (Level 6) [Ref: 2553] and may lead to a diploma or a
bachelor degree in a wide range of science-related disciplines.
Employment pathway
Qualification Reference 2552
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Graduates of this diploma can work in routine operational
positions in science-related fields of work including
manufacturing and regulatory industries, field work, research and
development.
Page 1 of 4
Qualification specifications
Qualification award
This qualification will be awarded by the accredited organisation
with which the learner is enrolled.
The formal document certifying the award of this certificate will
display the title of the qualification, the date of issue and/or
award, the logo of the NZQF, the NZQF reference number, and
the name and/or logo of the awarding body.
Evidence requirements for
assuring consistency
All tertiary education organisations (TEOs) either arranging
training or delivering programmes that lead to the award of the
qualification are required to participate in a consistency process
scheduled by NZQA.
This will involve review of evidence associated with graduate’s
achievement of outcomes, and agreeing acceptable thresholds
for qualification outcome achievement, and areas for
improvement.
To demonstrate how graduates are achieving the qualification
graduate profile outcomes, TEOs are required to produce their
own evidence in a high level report.
Evidence may include the following:

Programme statistics such as completion data and
graduate destination data

Graduate portfolios at the programme level
demonstrating that graduates meet the graduate profile
outcomes.

Evidence from internal and/or external moderation
processes.

Documentation of processes that ensure programmes
continue to meet current industry needs.

Next user feedback such as employer surveys.

Any other relevant evidence as appropriate.
Further information about the consistency process can be found
at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/consistency-ofgraduate-outcomes/
Credit transfer and recognition of
prior learning arrangements
Education providers must have policies and procedures in place
for managing credit transfer, and assessing recognition of prior
learning and recognition of current competency. These policies
and procedures, and information about associated fees, must be
available to the candidate prior to enrolment.
Minimum standard of
achievement and standards for
grade endorsements
Achievement of all outcomes. There are no grade endorsements
for this qualification.
Qualification Reference 2552
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Page 2 of 4
Entry requirements (including
prerequisites to meet regulatory
body or legislative requirements)
It is recommended that candidates hold a level 4 qualification in
science.
NCEA or alternate entry requirements will be set by the
providers.
Qualification conditions
Overarching conditions relating to the qualification
Conditions for programme
structure
A minimum of 100 hours’ relevant work-based learning is
recommended.
The maximum length of time to complete the programme will be
determined by the programme owner.
Conditions for programme
context
The context of learning in any work-based training should be
relevant to the work-based provider’s policies and procedures.
Other conditions
Definitions:
To evaluate means to consider results in order to form an idea of
their value.
Have responsibility for outcomes means being accountable for
the (final) outcome of the work performed by the team, ensuring
input by self and support staff is acceptable.
The focus of programmes leading to this qualification must be
natural and physical sciences as defined by NZSCED (01).
Health and safety responsibilities underpin all practical activities
and must be integrated into assessments.
Assessment should indicate workplace readiness.
TEOs arranging training or delivering programmes towards this
qualification must ensure that the training arranged and
programmes of learning delivered, are kept up-to-date with
regard to amendments to, and replacements of relevant
legislation, regulations.
Programmes are expected to cover a range of natural and
physical sciences.
Specific conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
Conditions
Mandatory
or Optional
1
Select and apply scientific
principles to carry out tasks.
Programmes must include:

independent choice of practical techniques
Mandatory
condition
Credits 50

consistent and independent performance of
Qualification Reference 2552
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Page 3 of 4
techniques.
2
Collect, process, and evaluate
scientific data in an
operational or research
context.
Programmes must include:

selection and application of scientific
calculations.
Mandatory
condition
Credits 30
3
Recognise common problems
with processes and suggest
solutions.
Credits 20
4
Contribute to a team in a
scientific workplace and have
responsibility for outcomes.
Problems can include:

technical errors

inconsistencies in results.
Programmes must include:

communication in a scientific context using
digital technology.
Optional
condition
Mandatory
condition
Credits 20
Transition information
Replacement information
This qualification replaced the National Diploma in Science (Level 5)
[Ref: 0234].
People currently working towards the replaced qualification may either complete the requirements for that
qualification by 31 December 2018 or transfer to this qualification.
The last date for entry into programmes leading to the replaced qualification is 31 December 2016. The
last date for award of the replaced qualification is 31 December 2018.
Qualification Reference 2552
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
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