Study in Christchurch, Dunedin, or Wellington
Enrolments for the DPH are always open. Papers begin in February, April, July, and September each year.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH) is a broad-based qualification which is highly sought after by a range of employers. Candidates are usually required to hold a degree or an appropriate professional qualification.
This practical postgraduate qualification enables graduates to identify and understand public health issues, and depending on which optional papers are taken, gain the skills to:
- Analyse and use health data
- Appreciate resource allocation and core issues in health
- Design appropriate health promotion strategies
- Plan and evaluate public health interventions
- Work collaboratively with professionals and the community
- Uphold ethical standards
The DPH consists of four core papers and four additional public health papers. It is normally completed in one academic year of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study.
For those planning to study for a Master of Public Health (MPH) a research paper relevant to the intended methodological approach needs to be included as one of the optional four papers. This is in addition to the core epidemiology paper.
The majority of students complete an unendorsed DPH. However, there are three endorses options for those with specific interest areas in epidemiology, heath promotion, or social research methods.
DPH programme structure
| Points required | 120 points (8 Public Health papers including 4 compulsory papers) |
|---|---|
| Duration |
One year full-time Two years part-time |
| Start date | February, April, July, or September |
| Prerequisite | Candidates would normally be required to have an undergraduate degree (in any discipline) |
| Structure | 15 point papers taught in half semester terms (4 terms per year) |
DPH papers
Four core papers (compulsory):
- PUBH 711 Principles in Epidemiology*
- PUBH 712 Foundations of Hauora Māori
- PUBH 713 Society, Health and Health Promotion
- PUBH 714 Public Policy and Health Systems
Plus four optional PUBH papers to the value of 60 points:
- PUBH 721 Methods for Epidemiological Research*
- PUBH 723 Survey Methods*
- PUBH 724 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods*
- PUBH 725 Applied Biostatistics 1 – Fundamentals*
- PUBH 726 Applied Biostatistics 2 – Regression Methods*
- PUBH 732 Using Epidemiology in Public Health Practice
- PUBH 733 Environment and Health
- PUBH 734 Health Protection
- PUBH 735 Economics of Health Policy Decision Making
- PUBH 736 Economic Evaluation
- PUBH 737 Public Health Law and Public Health Ethics – Fundamentals
- PUBH 738 Global Health Law and Global Health Ethics
- PUBH 740 Special Topic: One Health
- PUBH 741 Hauora Māori – Policy, Practice and Research*
- PUBH 742 Global Health and International Health Systems
- PUBH 743 Health Promotion Programme Planning and Evaluation
- PUBH 744 Healthy Public Policy
- PUBH 745 Introduction to Pacific Public Health
* PUBH Research Methods papers
Note: For those who are planning to go on to a Master of Public Health (MPH), an approved 15 point PUBH research methods paper relevant to the intended methodological approach needs to be included as one of the optional four papers. This is in addition to the core epidemiology paper, PUBH 711 Principles in Epidemiology. PUBH research methods papers are marked with an * in the list above.
DPH endorsed options
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH) endorsed in Health Promotion*
- Core DPH papers: PUBH 711, PUBH 712, PUBH 713, PUBH 714
- PUBH 743 Health Promotion Programme Planning and Evaluation
- PUBH 744 Healthy Public Policy
- Two further PUBH papers to the value of 30 points.
* The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health ( DPH ) endorsed in Health Promotion is recognised by the Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand for providing advanced knowledge and understanding of the Nga Kaiakatanga Hauora mo Aotearoa Health Promotion Competencies for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH) endorsed in Epidemiology
- Core DPH papers: PUBH 711, PUBH 712, PUBH 713, PUBH 714
- Three of:
- One further PUBH paper to the value of 15 points.
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH) endorsed in Social Research Methods
- Core DPH papers: PUBH 711, PUBH 712, PUBH 713, PUBH 714
- PUBH 723 Survey Methods
- PUBH 724 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
- One of:
- One further PUBH paper to the value of 15 points
Timetable
View the Public Health timetable
Hear from past students
English language requirement
If your first language is not English you must provide evidence of a satisfactory level of English language proficiency. Entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health requires an IELTS of 6.5, with no section less that 6.0, before an application for the programme will be considered.
If you are an overseas student wishing to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, you should contact AskOtago in the first instance:
Email university@otago.ac.nz
How to apply
Applications for the DPH are always open. Papers begin in February, April, July, and September each year.
To begin your application, visit the DPH 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.
See also: General information regarding fees
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.
