Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
In as little as one year you can gain advanced knowledge and critical analysis skills in the field of health sciences with the AUT Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science.
Health professionals from all sectors can study health sciences at an advanced level through the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science. Flexible learning options are available in some courses to support you working and studying at the same time.
The programme can prepare you for further study at 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.
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
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0
Offered at the City and the South Campus
*May also be offered via distance learning.
Offered at the North Campus
- Acupuncture
- Advanced Nursing Practice
- Child Health
- Leadership and Management
- Mental Health and Addictions
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Older Adult: Health and Wellness
- Podiatry
- Rehabilitation
- Violence and Trauma
Offered at the South Campus
**Midwifery is not available in 2024.
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.
You can also choose to complete this programme without a specialisation and choose from a wide range of health sciences courses.
If you're specifically interested in occupational health or sport and exercise physiotherapy, you can also choose to take some courses that focus on these areas.
You can also complete this programme without a specialisation.
Complete one of
- HEAL811 Research Design and Methods (15 points)
- HEAL840 Critical Inquiry for Evidence Based Practice (15 points)
- MAOH801 Maori Health Research Practice - Te Rangahau Hauora Maori (15 points)
- PUBH810 Pacific Health Research and Design (15 points)
And choose one of
- HEAL812 Health Professional Practice (15 points)
- HEAL813 Practice Reality (15 points) (Only offered in Semester 2)
And complete 90 points from
- Courses in the Postgraduate Health Science table of course with 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
- HEAL858 Exponential Health Technologies (15 points)
- HEAL859 Digital Health Disruption (15 points)
- HEAL860 Digital Health Leadership (15 points)
- HEAL861 Digital Health and the Future of Work (15 points)
Complete one of
- HEAL811 Integrative Research (15 points)
- HEAL840 Critical Inquiry for Evidence Based Practice (15 points)
- MAOH801 Māori Health Research Practice - Te Rangahau Hauora Maori (15 points)
- PUBH810 Pacific Health Research and Design (15 points)
And choose one of
- HEAL812 Health Professional Practice (15 points)
- HEAL813 Practice Reality (15 points)
And complete 60 points from
Other courses listed in the Health Sciences Postgraduate Courses Table.
You can study courses in human factors and ergonomics as part of AUT’s postgraduate health science programmes, offering you a postgraduate education programme in three parts; from postgraduate certificate to master’s degree level.
This pathway is designed to equip practitioners for advanced practice in the field of occupational health.
Complete the following paper
- RHAB811 Health Ergonomics (15 points)
Complete 30 points from
- RHAB801 Occupational Ergonomics (30 points)
- RHAB802 Vocational Management and Rehabilitation (30 points)*
Complete one of
- HEAL811 Integrative Research (15 points)
- HEAL840 Critical Inquiry for Evidence Based Practice (15 points)
- MAOH801 Maori Health Research Practice - Te Rangahau Hauora Maori (15 points)
- PUBH810 Pacific Health Research and Design (15 points)
And choose one of
- HEAL812 Health Professional Practice (15 points)
- HEAL813 Practice Reality (15 points)
And complete 45 points from
- Courses in the Postgraduate Health Science table of courses with approval of the programme leader.
*RHAB802 meets ACCs Vocational Rehabilitation Competencies.
This pathway is designed to equip physiotherapists for advanced practice in sport and exercise physiotherapy.
Complete the following courses
- PHTY811 Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy (15 points)
- PHTY801 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (45 points)
Complete 15 points from
- SPEX803 Exercise Physiology (15 points)
- SPSC803 Enhancing Muscular Performance (15 points)
- RHAB819 Therapeutic Exercise Science (15 points)
Complete one of
- HEAL811 Research Design and Methods (15 points)
- HEAL840 Critical Inquiry for Evidence Based Practice (15 points)
- MAOH801 Maori Health Research Practice - Te Rangahau Hauora Maori (15 points)
- PUBH810 Pacific Health Research and Design (15 points)
And choose one of
- HEAL812 Health Professional Practice (15 points)
- HEAL813 Practice Reality (15 points) (Only offered in Semester 2)
And complete 15 points from
- Courses in the Postgraduate Health Science table of courses with approval of the programme leader.
South Campus
($9,461 tuition fees + $1146 student services levy)
($41,900 tuition fees + $1146 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.