In general, this qualification is intended for health professionals who have completed three years of tertiary study and already have experience in the field. The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) may be taken either as a generic qualification or, more usually, with an endorsement in a specific area of specialisation. Please check the requirements of each endorsement carefully.
Information for new applicants
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) is a postgraduate diploma comprising papers to the value of 120 points (usually four 30 point papers). It can be taken as a generic “unendorsed” option or as an "endorsed" option from those listed below.
You can obtain information about each endorsement by clicking on the links below.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences is taught from three campuses (Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington).
The Diploma may be credited towards the Master of Health Sciences, though admission to the Masters will depend upon performance.
Please seek advice from a course adviser prior to submitting your application.
Schedule of endorsed options
Endorsements marked with an asterisk are available through Distance Learning.
Each endorsement is based at a particular campus indicated below: D = Dunedin, C = Christchurch, W = Wellington.
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc)
Admission to the Programme
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
Every applicant shall
be a graduate or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years' full-time tertiary study;
if enrolling for an endorsed diploma, have experience of or be currently working in the relevant field of health care;
present evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.
Structure of the Programme
The programme of study shall consist of approved papers, to the value of 120 points, which must be as specified in the schedule of endorsed options if the diploma is to be endorsed in an area of specialisation.
With approval from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), papers to the value of 60 points in a relevant or related subject offered by another university or tertiary institution may be credited to the diploma.
The papers shall constitute a coherent and integrated programme of study in the Health Sciences discipline.
A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences shall be exempted from those papers in the programme for the diploma which have been previously passed for the certificate.
A candidate for the diploma shall normally follow a programme of study for not less than one year of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study.
A full-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the diploma within two years of admission to the programme and a part-time candidate shall complete the requirements within four years.
Level of Award of the Diploma
The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
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.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
