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Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (PGCertPH)

    Overview

    The Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (PGCertPH) is a perfect place to start postgraduate study. Some students, particularly those already working in the health sector, may wish to obtain a postgraduate qualification in Public Health, but do not wish to undertake a diploma or master's qualification. The Postgraduate Certificate provides such students with an appropriate qualification.

    The structure of the programme allows you to undertake specific endorsed areas of study to complement your areas of interest or work expertise.

    You are able to use the qualification as a stand-alone qualification, but equally you can use the papers from the PGCertPH to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH).

    Information for new applicants

    The course is open to those with a wide variety of backgrounds and qualifications. As a guide, a general requirement for entry into postgraduate public health courses is a good undergraduate degree, diploma, or professional qualification, which would normally equate to a B average overall.

    Ready to apply?

    If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.

    Programme details

    Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (PGCertPH)

    1. Admission to the Programme

      1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
      2. Every applicant shall be a graduate or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years' full-time tertiary study.

    2. Structure of the Programme

      The programme of study shall consist of approved papers from the schedule of endorsed options, to the value of 60 points.

    3. Duration of the Programme

      The duration of the programme shall be one semester of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study.

    4. Examinations

      Every candidate must gain terms before being admitted to examinations.

    5. Variations

      The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

    More information

    Malisha Gaundan
    Postgraduate Programme Administrator
    Department of Public Health
    University of Otago, Christchurch
    Email publichealth.christchurch@otago.ac.nz

    Anne Fenderl
    Public Health Administrator
    Department of Preventive and Social Medicine
    Otago Medical School – Dunedin Campus
    Email publichealth.dunedin@otago.ac.nz

    Andrew Wood
    Postgraduate Coordinator
    Department of Public Health

    University of Otago, Wellington

    Email publichealth.wellington@otago.ac.nz


    This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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