This certificate 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 subject area.
- Duration
- Full-time: half year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2023 Semester One – 27 February
- 2023 Semester Two – 17 July
- Available locations
- Grafton, Off-campus
- Points
- 60
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
Programme structure
- 60-point programme.
- Students can choose to pursue a generic postgraduate certificate in health sciences or specialise.
- For a generic certificate, 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 four semesters if enrolled part-time.
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.
2023 entry requirements
Programme requirements
You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in a health-related discipline such as health sciences, medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, psychology, or social work.
The following specialisations have more specific requirements:
- Advanced Nursing and Mental Health Nursing: you must have current registration with the Nursing Council in New Zealand.
- Alcohol and Drug Studies, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sports Medicine, Palliative Care, Women’s Health, and Youth Health: you must be a health professional currently working in these service areas.
- Health Informatics: you must have a background in computer science, or an undergraduate degree in health sciences from a recognised university (or similar institution).
- Mammography and Medical Imaging: you must have completed an undergraduate degree in medical imaging (or similar) at a recognised university (or similar institution) and have registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board or as a medical radiation technologist.
- Mental Health: you should have an undergraduate degree in health sciences (or similar) at a recognised university (or similar institution).
- 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.
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 Certificate in Health Sciences cost per year?
2022 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$4,473.60 – $4,864.20*
- International students
- NZ$23,263 – $40,597*
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 $8.16 per point, estimated at $489.60 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.
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 2023
- 8 December 2022
- Semester Two 2023
- 4 July 2023
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 28 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 27 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 18 July |
| Ends – 14 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 27 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 26 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 17 July |
| Ends – 13 November |
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.
In this programme, you can either complete a generic Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences or enrol in a specialisation.
A specialisation is a programme of related courses normally comprising more than 50 percent of a qualification. There are 11 specialisations within the PGCertHSc, some of which lead to registration within a certain field.
- 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
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?
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?
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You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513