The Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation (PGDipRehab) is designed to provide a variety of health and health-related professionals with clinically-based academic postgraduate training in rehabilitation medicine. The emphasis of the programme is upon the acquisition of clinical skills, practical knowledge and an academic approach in rehabilitation. This should allow participants to be more effective in dealing with rehabilitation problems in their clinical practice as well as widening their perspective about how rehabilitation principles apply in all fields of medicine.
The Diploma includes a focus on how a holistic approach can make a positive difference to patients even when their medical condition is apparently deteriorating or incurable. The programme will be taught using an adult learning perspective, building on the life and work experiences of the participants.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation (PGDipRehab) is also available through Distance Learning.
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Programme details
Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation (PGDipRehab)
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.
further approved papers to the value of 30 points from the Schedule of Papers available for the Degree of Master of Health Science
A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation shall be credited with those papers in the programme for the diploma which have been previously passed for the certificate.
Note: on a case by case basis and with approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), it may be possible to have prior study from another university or tertiary institution recognised as equivalent to an Otago postgraduate certificate, and thereby receive some quantity of credit into the programme. Students who feel they have completed relevant prior study are invited to discuss this with the Programme Academic Lead in the first instance.
Duration of the Programme
The duration of the programme shall be one academic year of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study.
A candidate shall satisfy the requirements for the diploma within four years of admission.
Every candidate must gain terms before being admitted to examinations.
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.
Explore more in Rehabilitation
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Susan Baikie Programme Administrator University of Otago, Wellington Email rtru@otago.ac.nz
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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