Study Pain and Pain Management at Otago
Pain is the most common reason for people to see a health professional.
It is a main feature of many health conditions, and the impact of pain on people’s lives is broad and invasive. If you have ever wondered why pain is so complex, or how to help people manage their pain more effectively, the postgraduate programme in pain and pain management will provide a good foundation of practice for you.
Who is the programme intended for?
Allied health and medical professionals involved in the care, rehabilitation and management of people experiencing pain problems, such as psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, podiatrists, chiropractors and osteopaths.
What do our recent students say?
“Through my studies I gained deeper understanding of all aspects of pain and pain management. The interdisciplinary approach of the programme was incredible for cross pollination of ideas, and the tutors all brought a wealth of knowledge from their own experiences.”
– Dr Liz Edmonds
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Pain and Pain Management)
Specialist Anaesthetist
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc)
A one-year part-time (or one semester full-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)
A one- or two-year postgraduate degree encompassing coursework and/or research in a chosen area of specialisation
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PAIN papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAIN710 | 2025 | Introduction to Pain | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| PAIN711 | 2025 | Introduction to Pain Management | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| PAIN712 | 2025 | Pain Assessment | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| PAIN713 | 2025 | Pain Neurobiology | 15 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| PAIN714 | 2025 | Biomedical Pain Management | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| PAIN715 | 2025 | Psychosocial and Cultural Aspects of Pain | 15 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
Contacts
Postgraduate Programmes Administrator
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
University of Otago, Christchurch
Email msmandpainstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/christchurch/departments/orthomsm/postgraduate/
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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