Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science

Develop advanced knowledge and critical analysis skills in the field of health sciences in as little as one semester with the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science.

Health professionals from all sectors can study health sciences at an advanced level through the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science.

The programme can prepare you for further study at postgraduate diploma or master’s level. It's a great postgraduate study option if you have been out of study for some time, or are unsure if postgraduate study is for you. You'll be surprised at the flexible learning options that AUT offers.

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Minimum entry requirements

Must have completed the following or equivalent:

  • Bachelor of Health Science; OR
  • Graduate Diploma in Health Science; OR
  • Relevant professional practice or experience in a related health field equivalent to a bachelor’s degree

International student entry requirements

Other requirements

  • Provide evidence of current professional practice. Some courses are only open to students with current professional practice registration.
  • May be required to meet Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children's Act 2014 requirements and other relevant legislation

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0

English language requirements

Offered at the North Campus

Offered at the South Campus

You can also complete this programme without a specialisation (standard pathway).

Practice as a health professional in New Zealand is governed by legislation and a number of ‘Responsible Authorities’ (such as the NZ Psychologist Board, Physiotherapy Board and the Nursing Council who register practitioners). Overseas qualified health professionals who wish to practise in New Zealand should communicate directly with the relevant Responsible Authority. Qualifications recognised for professional registration at AUT are undergraduate; study at postgraduate level is not considered equivalent recognition for NZ Board certification.

Standard pathway in the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science

You can also choose to complete this programme without a specialisation and choose from a wide range of health sciences courses.

If you're interested in a specific area, you can choose to take courses that focus on it.

Ready to enrol in your courses?

Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.

Enrol now

Brett Crossan
Jacinta Horan
Neil Tucker
Brett Crossan
Great graduatesBrett CrossanPhysiotherapist/Director, Logic Physiotherapy, TimaruBachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
Postgraduate Certificate in Health ScienceSeeing the positive impact of his work is incredibly fulfilling and reinforces his passion for physiotherapy, says Brett Crossan from Logic Physiotherapy.Seeing the positive impact of his work is incredibly fulfilling and reinforces his passion for physiotherapy, says Brett Crossan from Logic Physiotherapy.
Read full story
Jacinta Horan
Great graduatesJacinta HoranSports Physiotherapy Specialist, High Performance Sport New Zealand
Director/Senior Physiotherapist, Bureta Physiotherapy, TaurangaMaster of Health Practice
Postgraduate Certificate in Health ScienceShe loves helping people achieve their goals, says sports physiotherapy specialist Jacinta Horan who has supported NZ athletes at many sporting events.She loves helping people achieve their goals, says sports physiotherapy specialist Jacinta Horan who has supported NZ athletes at many sporting events.
Read full story
Neil Tucker
Great graduatesNeil TuckerSports Physiotherapy Specialist, Crusaders & Canterbury RugbyMaster of Health Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
Postgraduate Certificate in Health ScienceHe feels fortunate to work full-time in professional sport, says Neil Tucker who has been working for the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby for the last 10 years.He feels fortunate to work full-time in professional sport, says Neil Tucker who has been working for the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby for the last 10 years.
Read full story
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Quick facts
Programme code:
AK3484
Level:
8
Points:
60
Duration:
0.5 years full-time / part-time available
Campus:
North Campus
South Campus
Starts:
21 Jul 2025
23 Feb 2026
13 Jul 2026
Some courses in this programme may start earlier than the standard semester dates. For specific course dates search for a course

Key semester dates
Fees
Domestic
$5,610 - $5,879 (for 60 points)
($5,014 - $5,283 tuition fees + $596 student services levy)
International
$22,396 (for 60 points)
($21,800 tuition fees + $596 student services levy)
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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