Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6)
Version
1
Type
Diploma
Level
6
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 indepth theoretical and technical knowledge within a specialised
field of science(s) for employment and/or progression to higher
level qualifications.
The qualification will also identify for Aotearoa New Zealand
those employees who are able to work independently in technical
positions in a specialised field of science(s) 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 (in a specialised
scientific field or sub-field):
-
select and apply scientific principles to carry out tasks relating
to a specialised scientific discipline.
-
collect and analyse scientific data in an operational or
research context.
-
recognise, analyse and solve problems for identified
processes.
-
explain scientific concepts and results to contribute to the
direction of a scientific workplace.
This qualification builds on the New Zealand Diploma in Applied
Science (Level 5) [Ref 2552].
This qualification leads to the New Zealand Certificate in
Laboratory Management Systems (Level 6) [Ref: 2554] and may
lead to further study in a bachelor degree in a science-related
discipline.
Employment pathway
Qualification Reference 2553
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Graduates of this diploma can work independently in technical
positions in a specialised field of science in 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 2553
© 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 5 qualification in
science or equivalent.
Equivalent 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 analyse scientific data means to examine data in detail in
order to explain and interpret it.
To analyse problems means to determine the essential features,
causes and key factors of problems.
Contribute to direction means being part of the operational
decision-making process of the team.
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 and regulations.
Specific conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
Conditions
Mandatory
or Optional
1
Candidates must demonstrate independent and
consistent performance of specialised
techniques.
Mandatory
condition
Select and apply scientific
principles to carry out tasks
relating to a specialised
scientific discipline.
Credits 50
Qualification Reference 2553
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Page 3 of 4
2
Collect and analyse scientific
data in an operational or
research context.
Programmes must include:
 use of appropriate technology.
Mandatory
condition
Credits 30
3
Recognise, analyse and solve
problems for identified
processes.
Credits 20
4
Programmes must include:
 validating results.
Mandatory
condition
 developing and optimising protocols
 trouble-shooting
Explain scientific concepts and
results to contribute to the
direction of a scientific
workplace.
Credits 20
Programmes must include:
 communication methods and explanations
appropriate to the audience.
Mandatory
condition
 use of digital technology.
Transition information
Replacement information
This qualification replaced the National Diploma in Science (Level 6)
[Ref: 0235].
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 Ref: 0235 is 31 December 2016. The last date for
award of the replaced qualification is 31 December 2018.
Qualification Reference 2553
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015
Page 4 of 4