Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
PGDipHealSc
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Health Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Health Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
This Diploma is aimed at people who are currently employed in, or seeking employment in, a health-related field, the social services, or local or central government. UC's Health Sciences qualifications give students the opportunity to examine critically a range of significant issues in health sciences, and where relevant to improve their professional practice.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences is an advanced, interdisciplinary programme. Students may either follow a general course of study, or focus on a specialisation and receive their qualification endorsed in:
- Environment and Health
- Health and Community
- Health Behaviour Change
- Health Information Management
- Health Leadership and Management (new option for 2022, subject to Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand CUAP approval, due December 2021)
- Palliative Care
- Taha Hinengaro – Health and Wellbeing Practice
You must have completed a relevant bachelor's degree, or an appropriate health professional qualification, with at least a B Grade Point Average.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The PGDipHealSc is a qualification equivalent to Part I of the Master of Health Sciences. It can be studied in 1–2 years full-time, or up to 4 years part-time.
If you want to leave your options open for enrolling into the Master of Health Sciences or Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice, contact student advisors from Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development for further advice.
Students may study towards the PGDipHealSc unendorsed, or may choose from the following endorsement options:
- Environment and Health
- Health and Community
- Health Behaviour Change
- Health Information Management
- Health Leadership and Management (new option for 2022, subject to Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand CUAP approval, due December 2021)
- Palliative Care
- Taha Hinengaro – Health and Wellbeing Practice
For the list of courses for required each endorsement, see the above subject pages or Schedule S to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences.
Courses for the unendorsed pathway are listed in Schedule V to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences.
UC offers a Master of Health Sciences (research-based degree) and a Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice (practice-based degree).
There is also a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences.
Many graduates continue to work within their health profession while others work in health-related fields, the social services, or local or central government.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2020 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $8,771 |
| 2021 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $8,867 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $26,000 |
| 2022 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $27,000 |
Contact us
See more information about our Health Sciences programmes.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences.
For study planning help, contact our Student Advisor team.
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).