The University of Otago's unique Applied Science degrees links the excitement of science and the power of technology with business challenges. 

Applied Science programs help graduates become innovative thinkers with an entrepreneurial spirit, the attributes successful New Zealanders are well-known for. 

It is a requirement that every program usually includes an approved minor subject or an approved second major subject.

Solving mysteries, serving society

Your uniqueness isn’t limited to your DNA or your fingerprints. Forensic chemistry can pinpoint where you’ve lived, what you’ve eaten, and even where that food once lived. 

That unarguable proof of origin is increasingly useful for food producers and biosecurity officers as well as crime fighters.

Analytical science is applied forensically in business for compliance with legislation, marketing, and the protection of products and brands from fraud.

This degree focuses on the vital analytical techniques of forensic biology (including DNA) and forensic chemistry (spectroscopy, traceability). 

These analytical skills are highly sought-after in industry, government agencies, and among regulatory bodies tasked with managing natural resources.

Why study Forensic Analytical Science?

The New Zealand kiwifruit is one of the most counterfeited items in the world. 

New Zealand’s produce is often at the top end of the market, and well worth counterfeiting – if you can get away with it! 

The techniques you’ll learn in this course can demonstrate the exact point of origin of foodstuffs. 

This protects products abroad and protects growers at home as well by identifying the source of biosecurity risks when they hit New Zealand shores.

• Academic Transcripts
• Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE) (If required)
• Proof of your identity (Full name, date of birth, and nationality)
• Certified/notarised copy (passport or birth certificate)
• English Language Proficiency (If Available)

Undergraduate entrance requirements

The university recognizes many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance. 

To check if the university recognizes your previous studies, determine the country where you gained the qualification. Countries entrance requirements example:

China entrance requirements:

Senior High School graduation and one year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing; 
Or Senior High School graduation and completion of a diploma with high passing grades at a recognized institute or university.

Students with the requisite scores in Gaokao may be given direct entry to bachelor degree programme.

India entrance requirements:

Minimum overall average of 75% in the All India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum of 70% in English.

The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.

Iran entrance requirements:

One year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing, or successful completion of a University of Otago Foundation Year programme or equivalent.

The university also accepts the following international qualifications:

• International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Advanced Levels: minimum Numerical Score of 8.
• Northern Consortium United Kingdom (NCUK) International Foundation Year (IFY)
• Satisfactory completion of one year's study at a recognized tertiary institution.

Background required

While entry into the Applied Science programme in Forensic Analytical Science is open to anyone.

It's strongly recommended you have NCEA Level 3 Chemistry, Biology and Maths (Stats).

Pathway programme

Study in your chosen subject area and gain a university entrance qualification

The University of Otago Pathway programme offers a university entrance qualification within two 13-week semesters for domestic and international students. It is called the Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC).