- Duration
- Full-time: half year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- 2026 Semester Two – 20 July
- Available locations
- Grafton, Off-campus
- Points
- 60
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences allows you to complete postgraduate taught courses in a diverse range of subjects that are related to health sciences.
Complete a generic programme or specialise in one of the following subject areas:
Advanced Nursing, Alcohol and Drug Studies, Digital Health, Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Mammography, Medical Imaging, Mental Health Nursing, Palliative Care, Pharmaceutical Science, Women's Health, Youth Health
Programme structure
- 60-point programme.
- Students can choose to pursue a generic postgraduate certificate in health sciences or specialise.
- For a generic certificate, you will choose advanced-level courses from the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (60 points).
- Each specialisation has different requirements and courses. See the Specialisations tab to plan your pathway.
- You must complete the programme in one semester if enrolled full-time, or in two years if enrolled part-time.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2025 entry requirements
Programme requirements
For entry in to the programme, you will need:
- A relevant Bachelors degree
- A relevant health professional qualification, and
- a minimum of two years' relevant professional experience
OR
- At least 5 years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience
If you have met the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences for a particular specialisation, you may, with the approval of the Associate Dean Academic, meet the requirements for another specialisation also.
Further programme requirements
The following specialisations have more specific eligibility requirements:
- Advanced Nursing and Mental Health Nursing: you must have current registration with the Nursing Council in New Zealand and hold a current New Zealand practising certificate.
- Alcohol and Drug Studies, Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Palliative Care, Women’s Health, and Youth Health: you must be a health professional currently working in these service areas.
- Digital Health: you must have a background in computer science, or an undergraduate degree in a health-related discipline from a recognised university (or similar institution).
- Medical Imaging: you must have completed a qualification in Medical Imaging (or similar) at a recognised university (or similar institution) and have registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board in the Medical Imaging Technologist practice; or have evidence of your right to work as a Medical Imaging Technologist in your home country.
- Mammography: you must have completed a qualification in Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy at a recognised university (or similar institution) and have registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board in Medical Imaging Technologist or Radiation Therapist practice; or have evidence of your right to work as a Medical Imaging Technologist or Radiation Therapist in your home country. You must also confirm that you have secured continous employment in a clinical training position approved by the Programme Director for the duration of your enrolment.
- Pharmaceutical Science: you must have completed a degree in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, or an undergraduate degree in science at a recognised university (or similar institution) that includes advanced-level courses in chemistry.
- Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography: you must have completed an undergraduate qualification in Medical Imaging, or an otherwise approved degree from a biomedical science-related field, or allied health profession such as nursing or physiotherapy. You must also have secured a clinical training position approved by the Programme Director for the duration of your enrolment.
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.
How much does a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$5,446.20*
- International students
- NZ$26,292.60 – $26,293*
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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $554.40 for full-time study (60 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.
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.
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 20 July |
| Ends – 16 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
In this programme, you can either complete a generic Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences or enrol in one of 11 specialisations.
A specialisation is a programme of related courses that provide in-depth knowledge and skills in a particular area. The specialisation may consist of all core courses, or some core courses with a choice of electives relevant to the field of study.
- Advanced Nursing
- Alcohol and Drug Studies
- Digital Health
- Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Mammography
- Medical Imaging
- Mental Health Nursing
- Palliative Care
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Women's Health
- Youth Health
- PET-CT
Where could this programme take you?
This certificate programme enables health professionals to specialise in their area of practice at postgraduate level, according to the specialisation chosen. 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.
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.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513