Mental Health and Addictions - Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
Want to gain advanced knowledge and critical analysis skills in mental health and addictions in as little as one year? Study the AUT Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science.
You explore evidence and theories related to mental health and addictions recovery and rehabilitation, as well as strategies to support change in the lives of individuals and the wider service systems.
The programme can prepare you for further study at 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.
This is part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science.
Download programme guides
You need a total of 120 points to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Mental Health and Addictions.
Complete one of the following courses
Early Semester 1 courses
- MENH808 Assessment for Mental Health Practice (15 points)
- MENH810 Foundations for Addiction Practice (15 points)
And choose 60 points from*
Early Semester 1 courses
- MENH808 Assessment for Mental Health Practice (15 points)
- MENH810 Foundations for Addiction Practice (15 points)
Semester 1 courses
- MENH809 Intervention for Mental Health Practice (15 points)
- MENH811 Assessment and Formulation for Addiction Issues (15 points)
Early Semester 2 course
- MENH802 Concepts of Recovery in Mental Health (30 points)
Semester 2 courses
- MENH802 Concepts of Recovery in Mental Health (30 points)
- MENH812 Intervention for Addiction Issues (15 points)
- MENH813 Social Justice in Mental Health and Addictions Practice (15 points)
And choose one of
Offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2
- HEAL808 Quantitative Research (15 points)
- HEAL810 Qualitative Research (15 points)
Or another relevant postgraduate health science course with the approval of the programme leader.
And choose 15 points from
Offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2
- HEAL811 Research Design and Methods (15 points)
- HEAL840 Critical Enquiry for Evidence Based Practice (15 points)
Semester 1 course
- PUBH810 Pacific Health Research and Design (15 points)
Semester 2 course
- MAOH801 Māori Health Research Practice - Te Rangahau Hauora Māori (15 points)
And choose one of
Offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2
- HEAL812 Health Professional Practice (15 points)
- MAOH804 Te Hau o te Ora – Hauora Māori Development (15 points)
Semester 2 course
- HEAL813 Practice Reality (15 points) (Only offered in Semester 2)
*Choose four 15-point courses, or one 30-point course and two 15-point courses.
Preparing for DAPAANZ registration?
Students who want to be considered for DAPAANZ registration need to:
- Have a relevant health or social sciences degree#; and
- Complete the courses:
- MENH810 Foundations for Addiction Practice (15 points)
- MENH811 Assessment and Formulation for Addiction Issues (15 points)
- MENH812 Intervention for Addiction Issues (15 points)
- MENH813 Social Justice in Mental Health and Addictions Practice (15 points)
#List of eligible bachelor’s degrees
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 more info on a specific course use our course search.
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.
- Equips health professionals for advanced practice in mental health and addictions
- Covers a range of evidence and theories related to mental health and addictions recovery and rehabilitation
- Open to all qualified health professionals
- Flexible study options, including on-campus block courses and online learning
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.