Programme details

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences

The course presents an opportunity for qualified nurses, health professionals, and health service managers to advance their knowledge in practice and strengthen their critical analysis competencies.

Course description

The course offers two distinct pathways: one for nurses and another for interdisciplinary health professionals. This diploma comprises a selection of online and blended courses tailored to address the needs of health practitioners and other professionals with a focus on health. Students can choose to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science with or without a specialization.

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science will have refined their knowledge and skills in critical analysis, constructive synthesis, and their application in health care delivery. Those who complete this program may have the opportunity to apply their credits towards the Master of Health Science program. Additionally, registered nurse graduates may advance to the Master of Nursing Science or the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) program, subject to fulfilling the required academic and professional practice criteria.

Specialisations

Nursing specialty endorsement options available are:

Advanced Nursing Practice
Registered Nurse Prescribing (approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand)

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 4 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Upon the successful fulfillment of the necessary academic entry criteria, you may explore the following options for further studies:

Graduates in Health Science may progress to the Master of Health Science program.

Registered Nurse graduates have the opportunity to transfer their credits to either the Master of Nursing Science program or the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner Pathway) program.

Potential career paths include positions in: – Advanced nursing – Allied health – Research – Project management

Entry requirements

To be eligible for entry, candidates must possess an undergraduate degree in a health science or related discipline, achieving a minimum B average. In cases where an applicant lacks a degree in health science, submissions accompanied by relevant professional evidence may be taken into account.

English Language Entry Requirements:

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English Language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. English Language fluency can be verified by achievement of one of the following within the last two years:

New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 5 (Academic)
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
PTE (Academic) score of 58 with no band score lower than 50
International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA or successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply)