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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science covers a broad range of subjects. Complete a generic programme or specialise in one subject area. The programme involves one year of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study.

Advanced Nursing , Alcohol and Drug Studies, Digital Health , Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Medical Imaging , Mental Health Nursing , Nuclear Medicine , Palliative Care , Pharmaceutical Science , Ultrasound , Youth Health .

Programme Structure

  • 120-point programme
  • Students can choose between a generic PGDipHSc or one of the specialisations on offer. 

Generic Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences

  • One course from the approved research method courses list (15 points)
  • Advanced level courses covering various fields in health sciences, listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (105 points)

Alternatively, you can complete a specialisation. Each specialisation has different requirements and courses; see the Specialisations tab for more information.

You must complete the programme in one year if enrolled full-time or four years if enrolled part-time

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Many graduates continue to work within their health profession while others work in health-related fields, social services, or local or central government. Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits, e.g. specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this postgraduate diploma are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this postgraduate diploma, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study

or

b (i) completed the requirements for a health professional qualification, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) at least two years’ relevant professional experience

or

c (i) at least five years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides a level of preparation equivalent to the requirements in Regulation 1a as approved by the Associate Dean Academic

and

(ii) performed to the satisfaction of the Associate Dean Academic in an interview.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 A student who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences from this University or an equivalent qualification as approved by the Associate Dean Academic, may on the recommendation of the relevant Head of School, credit the courses passed from the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences.

4 A student who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences in one specialisation may, with the permission of the Associate Dean Academic, be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences in another specialisation.

5 To be admitted to the Medical Imaging specialisation an applicant must:

a have completed a Bachelors degree in Medical Imaging

and

b hold current registration with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board in the Medical Imaging Technologist scope of practice, or provide evidence of registration or other evidence of the right to work as a Medical Imaging Technologist in their country of domicile.

6 To be admitted to either of the Advanced Nursing or Mental Health Nursing specialisations an applicant must be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and hold a current New Zealand practising certificate.

7 To be admitted to one of the Cardiac Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine or Ultrasound specialisations an applicant must:

a have completed a qualification in Medical Imaging, or a Bachelors degree in a biomedical science related field or allied health profession as approved by the Programme Director or nominee

and

b confirm that they have secured continuous employment in a clinical training position approved by the Programme Director or nominee for the duration of their enrolment in the programme.

Note: This programme includes some specialisations that are limited entry as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.

Duration and Total Points Value

8 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

9The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

10 Of the 120 points required for this postgraduate diploma, a student must pass:

either

a (i) 15 points from an approved Research Methods Course listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Schedule, if such a course has not already been passed

and

(ii) 105 points from other courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule

or

b 120 points in courses from one of the areas of specialisation listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Schedule.

11 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma who has already passed any course the same as, or similar to, those required under Regulation 8, must substitute an alternative course as approved by the relevant Head of School.

12 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

13 The programme for each student must be approved by the Head of School prior to enrolment.

Practical Professional and Practicum Requirements

14 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma who is required to carry out practical or clinical work must satisfactorily complete such work to the standard that the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences requires.

15 Where a weakness is identified in a clinical practice component of any course, students may be required to enrol in a clinical remediation course in addition to the requirements of their programme.

Distinction

16 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Variations

17 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

18 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student must be approved by the Head of School prior to enrolment.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 120 points for Master of Health Sciences Schedule Option, or
  • 120 points for one Specialisation from Specialisations Option, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Master of Health Sciences Schedule Option

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 15 points from Research Methods Courses, and
  • 105 points from Elective Courses

Elective Courses

Complete exactly 105 points from the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism