Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHSc)

Programme Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences is a versatile programme designed for health professionals and those with a relevant undergraduate degree who wish to pursue advanced study. It allows students to either maintain a broad focus with a generic programme or develop deep expertise in a specific clinical or technical specialisation.

The programme acts as a critical bridge for practitioners looking to move into leadership, policy, or advanced clinical roles. For those with a lower GPA (below 2.5), the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences serves as a foundational pathway into this diploma.

What You'll Study

You can choose between a Generic track or a Specialised track.

Generic Pathway (120 points)

• Research Methods (15 points): One course from an approved list (e.g., POPLHLTH 701).
• Advanced Electives (105 points): Selection of courses from the Master of Health Sciences schedule, tailored to your professional interests.

Specialisation Pathways

The PGDipHSc offers over 10 distinct specialisations, many of which lead to professional registration or advanced certification:

• Medical Imaging: Includes MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and Cardiac Ultrasound.
• Mental Health: Specialist tracks in Mental Health Nursing and Infant, Child, and Adolescent Mental Health.
• Clinical Practice: Palliative Care, Youth Health, and Alcohol and Drug Studies.
• Technology & Science: Digital Health and Pharmaceutical Science.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Flexible Learning: Part-time options allow you to balance advanced study with ongoing clinical work.
• Registration Pathways: Certain specialisations (like Ultrasound or MRI) provide the required academic route to registration as a technologist in New Zealand.
• Research Foundation: Provides the academic rigor and research methodology training required for progression to a Master of Health Sciences.
• Diverse Specialisations: One of the most comprehensive ranges of health specialisations in the country, taught by active researchers and clinicians.

Entry Requirements

• Academic: A relevant Bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline (e.g., Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, Pharmacy, Psychology, or Social Work) with a GPA/GPE of 2.5 or higher.
• Clinical Specialisations: Many specialisations (e.g., Ultrasound, Cardiac Ultrasound) require you to already hold a clinical training position in an approved department.
• English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher.