The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Level 8) at EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tair?whiti is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed for healthcare professionals, registered nurses, allied health practitioners, health managers, and interdisciplinary health professionals who want to expand their expertise in healthcare practice, leadership, research, and evidence-based health delivery.

The programme offers flexible online and blended learning pathways, making it ideal for both domestic and international students balancing professional work with postgraduate study. It also provides strong progression opportunities into master’s-level health and nursing qualifications.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science is characterised by:

• Advanced study in nursing or health science disciplines
• Interdisciplinary healthcare learning
• Research-informed professional practice
• Evidence-based healthcare approaches
• Critical analysis and professional synthesis skills

The programme offers:

• A pathway for nurses
• A pathway for interdisciplinary health professionals

Students may complete the diploma:

• With a specialty option
• Without a specialty endorsement

Why Study Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science at EIT?

Flexible Learning Designed for Professionals

EIT’s postgraduate health programmes are delivered through:

• Online learning
• Blended delivery
• Virtual classrooms
• Self-paced learning
• Workshops and contact sessions

Advanced Professional Development

Students develop expertise in:

• Advanced healthcare practice
• Clinical reasoning
• Health leadership
• Research and inquiry
• Healthcare delivery improvement
• Evidence-based clinical practice

Nursing Specialty Options

Nursing students may choose endorsed pathways such as:

• Advanced Nursing Practice
• Registered Nurse Prescribing

Strong Pathways to Higher Qualifications

Graduates may progress into:

• Master of Health Science
• Master of Nursing Science
• Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner Pathway)

Supportive International Student Environment

EIT provides:

• International student support
• Academic mentoring
• Online learning guidance
• Wellbeing services
• Career support services

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

The programme offers interdisciplinary postgraduate healthcare study with online and blended courses.

Common Study Areas

•  Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
• Advanced Pathophysiology for Health Professionals
• Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing/Midwifery Practice
• Ethical Concepts and Legal Issues for Advanced Practice
• Advanced Practice for Disease Management
• Research Methods and Design
• Health Promotion
• Advanced Practice to Support Elder Health
• Research Paradigms for Nursing Science
• Applied Nutrition
• Health in Aotearoa New Zealand

Registered Nurse Prescribing Pathway

The RN Prescribing endorsement includes:

• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Pharmacotherapeutics
• Advanced Clinical Assessment
• RN Prescribing Practicum

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

The programme supports professionals from:

• Nursing
• Allied Health
• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Healthcare Leadership
• Community Health
• Clinical Practice
• Health Research

Nursing Specialty Endorsements

• Advanced Nursing Practice
• Registered Nurse Prescribing

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work in:

• Advanced nursing
• Allied health services
• Healthcare leadership
• Clinical education
• Research support
• Project management
• Community healthcare

Possible Career Roles

• Advanced Practice Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Allied Health Professional
• Healthcare Coordinator
• Health Project Manager
• Research Assistant
• Health Promotion Advisor

Programme Highlights

Key Advantages

• Flexible online and blended learning
• Suitable for working professionals
• Advanced healthcare knowledge development
• Nursing specialty endorsement options
• Pathway to master’s qualifications
• Research-informed curriculum
• Evidence-based healthcare focus
• Internationally recognised Level 8 qualification

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest Programme Updates

• Continued expansion of flexible online postgraduate healthcare learning
• Strong focus on interdisciplinary healthcare practice
• Increasing emphasis on evidence-based healthcare delivery
• Ongoing development of advanced nursing practice pathways

Special Requirements

Students may require:

• Laptop/computer access
• Reliable internet connection
• Participation in online workshops
• Clinical workplace involvement for selected courses
• Independent postgraduate-level study capability

Some courses may involve:

• Clinical fieldwork
• Face-to-face workshops
• Scheduled online sessions

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) / Credit Transfer

Students may apply for:

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Credit transfer
• Entry with academic credit

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students studying in New Zealand generally require:

• Valid student visa
• Offer of Place from EIT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Health and travel insurance
• Medical certificates if required

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students studying in New Zealand generally require:

• Valid student visa
• Offer of Place from EIT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Health and travel insurance
• Medical certificates if required