Course details

Summary

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.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) is a postgraduate diploma comprising papers to the value of 120 points (usually four 30 point papers). 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. 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.

Entry criteria

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.

English Language Requirements: IELTS - Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); Internet-based TOEFL Score of 95 with a minimum writing score of 22.; Paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 587 (TWE 4.5); Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) – Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 4 or higher; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 64 with no communicative skills score below 57; University of Otago Foundation Studies Ltd: Completion of 'English for Postgraduate Academic Purposes' with a grade of C or higher.