The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Science is to be a recognised qualification indicating that a person is an advanced laboratory professional able to perform a range of advanced technical skills proficiently, using theoretical knowledge appropriately, analyse and make decisions regarding uncertainty, apply, analyse and make decisions regarding quality
systems, and critically evaluate possible changes to technical procedures.

Graduates will be able to:

- perform a range of advanced technical skills proficiently, using theoretical knowledge appropriately;
- analyse and make decisions regarding uncertainty;
- apply, analyse and make decisions regarding quality systems, and,
- critically evaluate possible changes to technical procedures.

A Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Science graduate may go on to further study, likely in a master's or doctoral programme.

Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of, and general suitability, for the
programme determined by Real World Education's pre-entry process, and meet any one of
the three numbered criteria below.
Criterion 1:
Be a domestic applicant that holds a relevant degree at least equivalent to a New Zealand
BSc, and either of the following:
* has at least one year of relevant professional laboratory experience, or
* supplied evidence of key practical skills in the area of specialisation that are typical
of someone with one year of relevant professional laboratory experience.

Criterion 2:
Be a domestic applicant that meets all of the following:
* holds a relevant tertiary qualification,
* has at least five years of relevant laboratory experience, and
* has at least one year of laboratory experience that is significantly more advanced
than would be typical of an employee in the first year of employment.

Criterion 3:
Be an international applicant that meets all of the following:
* holds a relevant degree at least equivalent to a New Zealand BSc,
* has at least one year of relevant professional laboratory experience, and
* has a current IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 or better with no less than 6.0, in
writing and reading and no less than 6.5 in speaking and listening (or evidence of
equivalent English proficiency based on other NZQA approved tests).