Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science
Develop advanced knowledge and critical analysis skills in the field of health sciences in as little as one semester with the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science.
Health professionals from all sectors can study health sciences at an advanced level through the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science.
The programme can prepare you for further study at postgraduate diploma or master’s level. It's a great postgraduate study option if you have been out of study for some time, or are unsure if postgraduate study is for you. You'll be surprised at the flexible learning options that AUT offers.
Download programme guides
Minimum entry requirements
Must have completed the following or equivalent:
- Bachelor of Health Science; OR
- Graduate Diploma in Health Science; OR
- Relevant professional practice or experience in a related health field equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
International student entry requirements
Other requirements
- Provide evidence of current professional practice. Some courses are only open to students with current professional practice registration.
- May be required to meet Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children's Act 2014 requirements and other relevant legislation
If you're interested in the oral health courses, there are specific entry requirements you need to meet. Refer to the oral health course information on the 'Standard pathway' tab.
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0
Offered at the North Campus
- Acupuncture
- Child Health
- Leadership and Management
- Mental Health and Addictions
- Older Adult: Health and Wellness
- Podiatry
- Rehabilitation
Offered at the South Campus
You can also complete this programme without a specialisation (standard pathway).
Practice as a health professional in New Zealand is governed by legislation and a number of ‘Responsible Authorities’ (such as the NZ Psychologist Board, Physiotherapy Board and the Nursing Council who register practitioners). Overseas qualified health professionals who wish to practise in New Zealand should communicate directly with the relevant Responsible Authority. Qualifications recognised for professional registration at AUT are undergraduate; study at postgraduate level is not considered equivalent recognition for NZ Board certification.
Standard pathway in the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science
You can also choose to complete this programme without a specialisation and choose from a wide range of health sciences courses.
If you're interested in a specific area, you can choose to take courses that focus on it.
To complete this programme without a specialisation, complete 60 points from postgraduate health science courses with the approval of the programme leader
This pathway is designed to equip practitioners for advanced practice in the field of digital health.
Complete 30 points from
Semester 1 courses
- HEAL858 Exponential Health Technologies (15 points)
- HEAL859 Digital Health Disruption (15 points)
Semester 2 courses
- HEAL860 Digital Health Leadership (15 points)
- HEAL861 Digital Health and the Future of Work (15 points)
And 30 points from
- Other relevant postgraduate health science courses with the approval of the programme leader
This pathway is designed to equip practitioners for advanced practice in the field of occupational health.
Complete the following paper
Semester 2 course
- RHAB811 Health Ergonomics (15 points)
Complete 30 points from
Semester 1 courses
- RHAB801 Occupational Ergonomics (30 points) (currently not offered)
- RHAB802 Vocational Management and Rehabilitation (30 points)* (currently not offered)
And 15 points from
- Other relevant postgraduate health science courses with the approval of the programme leader
*RHAB802 meets ACCs Vocational Rehabilitation Competencies
Already working as a dental therapist or oral health therapist? Studying the oral health courses below will enable you to provide adult restorative care for patients of all ages.
These courses are for students who:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in oral health; or
- Have a relevant professional qualification or experience approved by the programme leader; and
- Are currently registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand (with at least three years’ experience); and
- Can provide evidence of a mentor who is registered as a dentist, dental therapist with adult restorative or oral health therapist with the adult restorative exclusion removed who is willing to undertake an online training programme and provide mentoring and support for restorative adult care
You’ll study two 30-point courses, one in each semester, and will be able to complete these courses in one year part-time; enabling you to fit your study around your work and family commitments.
These courses are only offered at the AUT North Campus, and you begin your studies in February (Semester 1).
Please note there will be some material costs you need to pay for, in addition to the tuition fees and compulsory student services levy you need to pay.
Courses you study*
Semester 1
- ORAH801 Advanced Contemporary Knowledge in Oral Health (30 points)
Semester 2
- ORAH802 Oral Health Adult Restorative Patient Care II (30 points)
*If you haven't undertaken a pharmacology course as part of your previous degree, you need to complete the course PHMY701 Pharmacology alongside the course ORAH801 Advanced Contemporary Knowledge in Oral Health.
Contact us to find out more
To find out more email gradcertoralhealth@aut.ac.nz
This pathway is designed to equip physiotherapists for advanced practice in sport and exercise physiotherapy.
Complete 60 points from
Early full-year course
- PHTY801 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (45 points) (no mid-year/Semester 2 intake)
Semester 2 course
- PHTY811 Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy (15 points)
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.
South Campus
23 Feb 2026
13 Jul 2026
Key semester dates
($5,014 - $5,283 tuition fees + $596 student services levy)
($21,800 tuition fees + $596 student services levy)
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.