Why Study/Key Benefits

• The PGDipPH is designed for graduates who want to broaden or deepen their knowledge and practical skills in public health.
• It develops knowledge across epidemiology, health systems, M?ori and Pacific health, and health promotion.
• The programme has a strong focus on health equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• UC describes the qualification as professionally focused, preparing students for evidence-based public health practice in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
• Students can complete the diploma as a standalone qualification or use it as a pathway into UC’s 180-point Master of Public Health, subject to the relevant approval.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The PGDipPH consists of 120 points and combines compulsory public-health study with approved electives. UC states that the programme includes four core public-health courses plus elective choices from wider topics.

Semester 1:

• PUBH420 – Public Health Essentials: Building Blocks for Impact
• PUBH422 – Health Systems in Action: Policy, Innovation and Equity
• Two courses chosen from UC's approved options.

Semester 2:

• PUBH421 – Hauora M?ori
• HLTH470 – Qualitative Research Methods for Health
• PUBH424 – Social and Political Epidemiology OR HLTH460 – Epidemiology and Critical Appraisal
• One course chosen from the approved options.

Key subject areas therefore include:

• Public health foundations
• Health systems
• Health policy
• Innovation and equity
• Hauora M?ori
• Epidemiology
• Social and political determinants of health
• Qualitative health research
• Health promotion and population health.

Programme Highlights

• New UC qualification, first offered in 2026.
• 120-point postgraduate diploma.
• 1 year full-time or up to 4 years part-time.
• February start.
• Blended delivery combining online learning with in-person block teaching.
• Professionally focused public health curriculum.
• Strong emphasis on equity.
• Integration of M?ori and Pacific health perspectives.
• Epidemiology and health-systems content.
• Qualitative research training.
• Flexible elective component.
• Pathway to UC's 180-point Master of Public Health, subject to approval.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies several sectors and career areas for graduates:

• Local and central government.
• Ministry of Health and public health agencies.
• Te Whatu Ora.
• Non-governmental organisations.
• Primary Healthcare Organisations (PHOs).
• Community-based health services.
• Research roles.
• Policy advisory roles.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The PGDipPH is a new qualification: UC's regulations came into force on 1 January 2026 and state that the diploma was first offered in 2026.
• The current UC programme page is active and provides 2026–2028 fee estimates.
• The programme currently starts in February each year.
• It is delivered through blended learning with in-person block teaching and online learning.
• Admission requires approval by the Executive Dean of Health or delegate.
• There are no majors, minors or endorsements.
• Up to 30 points of relevant equivalent postgraduate study may potentially be credited with prior approval.
• Students who fail more than 30 points will be withdrawn from the qualification under the current regulations.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying this programme on campus in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states:

• Visa cost: from NZ$850.
• Maximum stay: up to 4 years.
• 80% of applications are processed within 8 weeks.
• Applicants need an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Students must have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or hold an appropriate scholarship.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses or have an acceptable sponsor.
• Appropriate health and travel insurance is required.
• Applicants must meet health and character requirements.
• Applicants must demonstrate genuine reasons for studying in New Zealand.
• Applicants must demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.