SCHOOL OF HEALTH
Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare
with specialisations in Mental Health, Community Health, and Addiction
Duration
38 study weeks + 6 weeks of holidays full-time (64 weeks + 14 weeks of holidays part-time)
Campus
Auckland CBD
Delivery
Blended and Distance Online [onshore only]
Credits
120
Work placement
Min.120 hours in Addiction specialisation only
Programme overview
This Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare equips learners with the advanced knowledge and practical expertise to address complex health challenges across Aotearoa New Zealand. Delivered online or blended with flexible study options, this qualification allows learners to specialise in mental health, community health, or addiction, while developing critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and evidence-based practice skills. Graduates will be able to design and implement innovative strategies that improve health outcomes for individuals, whānau, and communities.
What you study
- Advanced concepts, frameworks, philosophies and informatics for the field of healthcare, critically evaluating their effectiveness for individuals, their whānau/family and communities
- Ethical reasoning skills for evaluating challenges
- Innovative strategies and interventions to support health of Māori and Pasifika communities in Aotearoa New Zealand
- How to honour the rights and needs of Māori as tangata whenua and the obligations of tangata tiriti to advocate for equitable health and wellbeing
A graduate of the Mental Health specialisation will be able to:
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for promoting mental wellbeing and healthy lifestyles that are tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable individuals, their whānau/family and communities, incorporating feedback from stakeholders
A graduate of the Community Health specialisation will be able to:
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for promoting community wellbeing and healthy lifestyles that are tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable individuals, their whānau/family and communities, incorporating feedback from stakeholders
A graduate of the Addiction specialisation will be able to:
- Apply advanced knowledge and skills of essential and practitioner foundation competencies to effectively facilitate professional and competent addiction work with vulnerable individuals, their whānau/family and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand
Career opportunities
Jobs directly related to this programme may include:
For Mental Health:
- Case Manager
- Mental Health Worker
- Youth and Child Health Coordinator
- Whānau Liaison
- Health Promoter/Kaiwhakatairanga Hauora
- Rehabilitation Advisor
- Residential Services
- Hospice Worker
- Student Support/Youth Support Worker
- Disability Support Service provider
- Health Promoter
- Health/lifestyle coaches
- Digital support youth mentor
For Community Health:
- Health Services Manager/Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga Hauora
- Community Services/Ratonga Hapori
- Health Promoter/Kaiwhakatairanga Hauora
- Residential Health Services
- Hospice Worker
- Disability Support Service provider/ Kaiāwhina Haumanu Hauora
- Youth and Child Health Coordinator
- Service Provider in a GP Practise
- Health & Nutrition Advisor
- Health Policy Officer
- Family Care Centre Leader
- Whānau Liaison
- Health Promoter
- Non-clinical staff who can support clients requiring accommodation or employment support
For Addiction:
- Addiction Service roles
- Addiction Practitioner*
- Problem Gambling Practitioner*
- Alcohol and other Drug Practitioner*
- Smoking Cessation Worker
- Addiction Support Worker*
- Residential Services
- Disability Support Service provider/ Kaiāwhina Haumanu Hauora
- Youth and Child Health Coordinator
- Whānau Liaison
- Health Promoter/Kaiwhakatairanga Hauora
- Digital support youth mentor
- Rehabilitation Advisor
*These roles require registration with the relevant association. This programme will not lead to registration. Students are responsible for applying for their own registration.
Median earnings
Annual gross income is estimated to be $65k to $125k p/a (after one year in the health sector) depending on the role and level of responsibility.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline OR
- A Graduate Certificate in a health-related discipline OR
- A Graduate Diploma in a health-related discipline OR
- Relevant skills and knowledge acquired through advanced evidence-based work or professional experience in a patient/client-facing role within the health sector (min. 3 years in the last 5 years)
Special Admission:
Applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the Admission Criteria may be eligible for special admission. Special admission may be granted upon evaluation by the Head of School and the Academic Board, or delegate authority, based on evidence supplied. This may include a resume, personal statement, and portfolio. It is expected these documents provide evidence of relevant work experience undertaken by the applicant. This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Entry Requirements:
- Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake the Programme which is taught and assessed in English
- International learners must meet the English Proficiency Outcomes for International learners as set out in Appendix 1 of the NZQCF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules.
Visa and Insurance:
International learners require a valid visa and insurance to study on the programme. The type of visa will determine the mode of delivery.
Criminal Record Check:
Healthcare workers work with people in vulnerable situations, and this requires a high level of integrity and trust.
NZSE will carry out a Policy Vetting check on prospective domestic applicants. Student entry will be provisional until these checks have been completed. The outcome of the Police Vetting check will be kept on the applicant’s files.
International students applying for a visa with New Zealand Immigration are expected to be of good character. “This includes having no criminal history and providing correct and complete information” (New Zealand Immigration, 2024).
If any applicant/student has or acquires a criminal conviction (except for minor traffic convictions) during the programme, they are required to declare it. A conviction or charge may lead to the student being withdrawn from the programme. This will be decided by NZSE’s disciplinary process. Those who have declared a criminal conviction need to provide details of:
- Two referees who are aware of the criminal conviction; and
- The charge/s upon which they were convicted, any mitigating circumstances, the penalty the offence carried, and the actual penalty handed down by the court; and
- Any personal information held by the Ministry of Justice about them.
Safety Checks:
Selection:
Applicants will be selected in order of successful application. This programme of study is open to those who have met the entrance requirements and programme admission regulations. Applicants may be interviewed in person or via a suitable digital platform.
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