Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July) 2027
120
Overview
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management builds on the foundations of the Postgraduate Certificate, deepening your capability to lead and manage across complex health environments. Whether you enter directly or progress from the PGCertHLM, you will develop advanced skills in health information management, people leadership, and organisational improvement. The programme is delivered in a blended format — combining online study with in-person block days — so you can continue working while you study. A strong focus on equity, bicultural practice, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi prepares you to lead with confidence across Aotearoa New Zealand's diverse health sector.
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management
- Build on your leadership foundations with two compulsory courses covering health information management and leading people in healthcare organisations — then tailor your learning through a wide range of electives.
- Choose electives from across UC's Business School, Public Health, and Health Sciences offerings, allowing you to focus on the areas most relevant to your career — from health systems and policy, to strategy, ethics, and Hauora Māori.
- Apply advanced analytical, relational, and decision-making skills to real health service challenges, developing your ability to design, implement, and evaluate improvements in organisational and community settings.
- Develop your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and culturally responsive leadership — essential capabilities for leading in Aotearoa New Zealand's health sector.
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management
To apply to the PGDipHLM, you will need to have previously completed any Aotearoa New Zealand bachelor’s degree with a B Grade Point Average or better, or other qualifications of an equivalent standard.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online with myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management
The PGDipHLM is made up of a total 120 points, which includes two compulsory courses in healthcare leadership, and 60 points of elective courses drawn from a range of topics in leadership, public health, policy, and organisational development.
Starting in February or July 2027, the programme will take 1 year full-time to complete, or can be studied part-time within 4 years.
For the full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management.
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management
Compulsory courses
Elective courses
Choose 60 points from the following:
HLTH407 Ethics and Health (30 points)
HLTH464 Research Approaches for Health and Sport (30 points)
MBAD605 Leading People and Performance (10 points)
MBAD615 Leading Ourselves (10 points)
MBAD617 Leading Complex Systems (10 points)
MBAD631 Leading Business Strategy (10 points)
MBAD642 Leading Teams (10 points)
MBAD643 Leading Decisions and Change (10 points)
PUBH421 Hauora Māori (15 points)
SSCI415 Leading People & Systems in Sport (15 points)
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management
UC also offers a Master of Health Leadership and Management and a Master of Health Sciences.
You may choose to transfer your completed courses from the Diploma to one of the master’s degrees, with approval.
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership and Management
Graduates of the PGDipHLM will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of leadership and management in health systems and organisations, applicable to mid-level leadership and management roles or more formal leadership pathways. Career pathways could include:
- Service manager or programme manager in Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, NGOs, or community health organisations.
- Policy or planning advisor roles in health and social service agencies.
- Quality improvement or workforce development roles in health organisations.
- Clinical leaders moving into management or service leadership responsibilities.
