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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How to apply

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Quick facts

Programme code:

AK3484

Level:

Points:

Duration:

0.5 years full-time / part-time available

Campus:

North Campus
South Campus

Starts:

3 Mar 2025
21 Jul 2025

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.

Entry requirements
Specialisations
Standard pathway
Related programmes

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 City and the South Campus

Health Care Ethics

Offered at the North Campus

Offered at the South Campus

_{*May also be offered via distance learning.}

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 specifically interested in occupational health, you can also choose to take some courses that focus on this area.

Standard pathway (choose any courses)

To complete this programme without a specialisation, complete 60 points from postgraduate health science courses with the approval of the programme leader

Digital health focus

This pathway is designed to equip practitioners for advanced practice in the field of digital health.

Complete 30 points from

HEAL858 Exponential Health Technologies (15 points)
HEAL859 Digital Health Disruption (15 points)
HEAL860 Digital Health Leadership (15 points)
HEAL861 Digital Health and the Future of Work (15 points)

And 30 points from

Other relevant postgraduate health science courses with the approval of the programme leader

Occupational health focus

This pathway is designed to equip practitioners for advanced practice in the field of occupational health.

Complete the following paper

RHAB811 Health Ergonomics (15 points)

Complete 30 points from

RHAB801 Occupational Ergonomics (30 points)
RHAB802 Vocational Management and Rehabilitation (30 points)*

And 15 points from

Other relevant postgraduate health science courses with the approval of the programme leader

_{*RHAB802 meets ACCs Vocational Rehabilitation Competencies}

Sport and exercise physiotherapy focus

This pathway is designed to equip physiotherapists for advanced practice in sport and exercise physiotherapy.

Complete 60 points from

PHTY811 Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy (15 points)
PHTY801 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (45 points)

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

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

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

View all student profiles

Quick facts

Programme code:

AK3484

Level:

Points:

Duration:

0.5 years full-time / part-time available

Campus:

North Campus
South Campus

Starts:

3 Mar 2025
21 Jul 2025

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.