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 Health Sciences
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 Health Sciences
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. You may either follow a general course of study, or focus on a specialisation and receive your qualification endorsed in:
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.
One or more courses or research may require vaccination
The government has announced new vaccination requirements for the health and education sectors. At UC, our programmes are strongly connected to our communities of practice. For many of our programmes, you will not be able to complete research or practice-oriented courses if you are not vaccinated. This is due to research/practice taking place in health centres and schools/kura where all employees and volunteers are required to be vaccinated.
For these courses you will be required to be vaccinated in line with the NZ Government regulations, and supply evidence of your vaccination status.
Enrolment into the Taha Hinengaro – Health and Wellbeing Practice endorsement will require a vaccine.
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 a Student Advisor for further advice.
You 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
- 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 Health Sciences and 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) |
| 2024 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $9,153 |
| 2023 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $8,908 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $30,900 |
| 2023 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $28,800 |
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 Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Health.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).