SCHOOL OF HEALTH
Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare
with specialisations in Mental Health, Community Health, and Addiction (Level 8)
Duration
38 study weeks + 6 weeks of holidays full-time (part-time option available for domestic learners)
Campus
Auckland CBD
Delivery
Blended and Distance Online [onshore only] - (The Addiction specialisation can only be completed through blended learning)
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:
- Mental Health Worker
- Youth and Child Health Coordinator
- Whānau Liaison
- Health Promoter/Kaiwhakatairanga Hauora
- Student Support/Youth Support Worker
- Disability Support Service provider
- Health and lifestyle coaches
- Digital support youth mentor
For Community Health:
- Health Services Manager/Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga Hauora
- Community Services/Ratonga Hapori
- Health Promoter/Kaiwhakatairanga Hauora
- Hospice Worker
- Disability Support Service provider/ Kaiāwhina Haumanu Hauora
- Youth and Child Health Coordinator
- Health Policy Officer
- Family Care Centre Leader
For Addiction:
- Addiction Practitioner*
- Problem Gambling Practitioner*
- Alcohol and other Drug Practitioner*
- Smoking Cessation Worker
- Addiction Support Worker*
- 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 automatically lead to registration. Students are responsible for applying for their own registration post-graduation. NZSE will obtain DAPAANZ ‘Applied Addiction Qualification’ accreditation for the Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare [Addiction specialisation].
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)
English Language Requirements:
- English language requirements IELTS overall band of 6.5, NZCEL level 5 or equivalent
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.
Enquire now
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