- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- 2026 Semester Two – 20 July
- Available locations
- Grafton
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
This diploma provides an advanced understanding of the theoretical and practical issues and the skills to apply these principles in the workplace, research and day-to-day life.
It covers a range of activities and disciplines including epidemiology, demography, sociology, health statistics, health economics, health promotion, health management, health protection, environmental health and health services and policy.
Opportunity to specialise in: Māori Health.
Programme structure
- 120 point programme
- Advanced taught course topics that cover principles of public health, epidemiology and research methods (45 points)
- A selection of courses worth at least 60 points from other courses listed in the Master of Public Health Schedule
- Up to 15 points from other 700 level courses offered at this University.
- One year full-time or up to four years part-time
- You can complete a generic programme or specialise in Māori Health.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Public Health
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- POPLHLTH 760
- Name:
- Principles of Public Health
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POPLHLTH 776
- Name:
- Population Health in Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 701
- Name:
- Foundations of Māori Health
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- one of
- Name:
- POPLHLTH 708, 709
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- one of
- Name:
- POPLHLTH 701-706, 767
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective from the PGDipPH or MPH schedules
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective from the PGDipPH or MPH schedules
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Elective from the PGDipPH or MPH schedules
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Sample programme structure
Māori Health
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 701
- Name:
- Foundations of Maori Health
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- MAORIHTH 710
- Name:
- Kaupapa Maori Theory
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POPLHLTH 760
- Name:
- Principles of Public Health
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- POPLHLTH 776
- Name:
- Population Health in Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- one of
- Name:
- POPLHLTH 708, 709
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- one of
- Name:
- POPLHLTH 701-707, 767
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- one of
- Name:
- MAORIHTH 705, 706, 709, 711
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- one of
- Name:
- MAORIHTH 705, 706, 709, 711
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Subjects available in this programme
- Māori Health
- Public Health
2025 entry requirements
Programme requirements
Taught 120 points
Entry into this postgraduate diploma is limited to 65 students per year, with selection by academic merit based on your Grade Point Average (GPA) or Grade Point Equivalent (GPE).
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a health-related discipline such as dentistry, health sciences, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, public health, or social work. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will typically need a GPA or GPE of at least 3.0. You must also have at least two years' relevant work experience.
In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if they determine that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience.
Alternatively, you must have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health.
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.
How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$52,585*
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 $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 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.
Where could this programme take you?
Graduates with a public health qualification may find employment in diverse areas within the health sector including: public health research; disease surveillance and monitoring; public health management; health planning and policy making at a government level; and management positions within health care organisations. 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.
Jobs related to this programme
- Public health researcher
- Health planner
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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Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513