Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
Grafton
Points
120
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

This diploma provides an advanced understanding of the theoretical and practical issues and the skills to apply these principles in the workplace, research and day-to-day life.

It covers a range of activities and disciplines including epidemiology, demography, sociology, health statistics, health economics, health promotion, health management, health protection, environmental health and health services and policy.

Opportunity to specialise in: Māori Health.

Programme structure

  • 120 point programme
  • Advanced taught course topics that cover principles of public health, epidemiology and research methods (45 points)
  • A selection of courses worth at least 60 points from other courses listed in the Master of Public Health Schedule
  • Up to 15 points from other 700 level courses offered at this University.
  • One year full-time or up to four years part-time
  • You can complete a generic programme or specialise in Māori Health.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Public Health

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 760
    Name:
    Principles of Public Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 776
    Name:
    Population Health in Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    MAORIHTH 701
    Name:
    Foundations of Māori Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    one of
    Name:
    POPLHLTH 708, 709
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    one of
    Name:
    POPLHLTH 701-706, 767
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective from the PGDipPH or MPH schedules
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective from the PGDipPH or MPH schedules
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective from the PGDipPH or MPH schedules
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Sample programme structure

Māori Health

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    MAORIHTH 701
    Name:
    Foundations of Maori Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    MAORIHTH 710
    Name:
    Kaupapa Maori Theory
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 760
    Name:
    Principles of Public Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 776
    Name:
    Population Health in Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    one of
    Name:
    POPLHLTH 708, 709
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    one of
    Name:
    POPLHLTH 701-707, 767
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    one of
    Name:
    MAORIHTH 705, 706, 709, 711
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    one of
    Name:
    MAORIHTH 705, 706, 709, 711
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2024 entry requirements

Programme requirements

Taught 120 points

Entry into this postgraduate diploma is limited to 65 students per year, with selection by academic merit based on your Grade Point Average (GPA) or Grade Point Equivalent (GPE).

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a health-related discipline such as dentistry, health sciences, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, public health, or social work. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will typically need a GPA or GPE of at least 3.0.

Alternatively, you must have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health.

Further programme requirements

English language requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.

Other pathways to study

  • If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,892.40*
International students
NZ$50,564*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Graduates with a public health qualification may find employment in diverse areas within the health sector including: public health research; disease surveillance and monitoring; public health management; health planning and policy making at a government level; and management positions within health care organisations. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Public health researcher
  • Health planner

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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