Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (PGCertPH), Study Public Health at Otago

Study in Christchurch, Dunedin, or Wellington

Enrolments for the PGCertPH are always open. Papers begin in February, April, July, and September each year.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (PGCertPH) is ideal for students who wish to obtain a postgraduate qualification in public health but aren't ready to embark on a diploma or master's degree.

It comprises four papers from the public health paper offerings.

You must select an endorsement, which requires a specific combination of papers to be completed. Endorsements can be achieved in the following subject areas:

Environmental health
Health economics
Health promotion
Health systems and services
Hauora Māori / Māori health
Public policy and health
Research methods

The PGCertPH is normally completed in a half-year of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study.

After completing the PGCertPH, you can obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH) by taking four further papers.

PGCertPH programme structure

Points required	60 points (4 public health papers)
Duration	Six months full-time, or One year part-time
Start date	February, April, July, or September
Prerequisite	Candidates would normally be required to have an undergraduate degree (in any discipline) with at least a B average
Structure	15-point papers taught in half semester terms (4 terms per year)

PGCertPH endorsment options

Endorsement	Papers required
Environmental Health	PUBH 733 Environment and Health (15 points) PUBH 734 Health Protection (15 points) Plus 2 further PUBH papers to the value of 30 points
Health Economics	PUBH 735 The Economics of Health Policy Decision Making (15 points) PUBH 736 Economic Evaluation (15 points) Plus 2 further PUBH papers to the value of 30 points
Health Promotion	PUBH 713 Society, Health and Health Promotion (15 points) PUBH 743 Health Promotion Programme Planning and Evaluation (15 points) Plus 2 further PUBH papers to the value of 30 points
Public Policy and Health	PUBH 713 Society, Health and Health Promotion (15 points) PUBH 714 Public Policy and Health Systems (15 points) PUBH 744 Healthy Public Policy (15 points) Plus 1 further PUBH paper to the value of 15 points
Health Systems and Services	PUBH 714 Public Policy and Health Systems (15 points) PUBH 742 Global Health and International Health Systems (15 points) Plus 2 further PUBH papers to the value of 30 points
Māori Health	PUBH 712 Foundations of Hauora Māori (15 points) PUBH 741 Hauora Māori – Policy, Practice and Research (15 points) Plus 2 further PUBH papers to the value of 30 points
Research Methods	PUBH 711 Principles of Epidemiology (15 points) PUBH 723 Survey Methods (15 points) PUBH 724 Introduction to Qualitative Research methods (15 points) PUBH 725 Applied Biostatistics 1 – Fundamentals (15 points)

Timetable

View the Public Health timetable

How to apply

Applications for the PGCertPH are always open. Papers begin in February, April, July, and September each year.

To begin your application, visit the PGCertPH qualification page, choose the option for your preferred campus from the drop-down selection list, and hit "Get started". This will take you to eVision – your personalised application portal.

Start your application at the PGCertPH qualification page

Harakeke programme

Postgraduate study in public heath is underpinned by the harakeke programme. It ensures Māori values, content, public health action, and support are integral for all involved in the programme. The programme includes a compulsory paper in hauora Māori; a paper in hauora Māori policy, practice, and research; hauora content in many other papers; strong Māori teaching team support to Māori students; and Māori support to Māori students.