Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health

Learn how you can advance public health and address today’s health challenges in diverse contexts and communities with the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health at AUT.

Passionate about promoting health, tackling health inequities or addressing the social, economic or other factors that affect individual and community wellbeing? Are you considering a career in public health, or  already working in the field? The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health prepares you for managing our pressing community and public health risks, now and in the future.

Topics you’ll study include principles of public health, social epidemiology, public health policy and systems and Te Hau o te Ora Hauora Māori Development.

Download programme guides

Minimum entry requirements

Completed one of the following:

  • Relevant bachelor’s degree
  • Relevant graduate diploma

International student entry requirements

Other requirements

May be admitted on the basis of a relevant professional qualification or professional experience approved by the Dean (or representative) to be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

English language requirements

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

English language requirements

Further your knowledge of public health and wellbeing with this postgraduate diploma that is committed equity, social justice, empowerment as well as community participation and ownership.

All courses are offered via flexible learning, including a mix of block courses on campus and online, or blended learning.

Complete the following courses

Semester 1 courses

Semester 2 courses

*This course is offered in both semesters and you can choose when you want to complete it.

And choose four courses from**

Full-year course

Semester 1 courses

Semester 2 courses

Or alternative optional courses approved by the associate dean postgraduate.

** Choose four 15-point courses or select the 30-point course COMH801 Tipu Ora: Theories and Perspectives in Violence and Trauma plus two 15-point courses.

Skills you will develop in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health

The outcomes for graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health are outlined in the Graduate Profile below.

Graduate Profile

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.

Interested in disaster risk management?

We recommend you take the following courses as part of your programme so you can graduate with a focus on disaster risk management:

Quick facts
Programme code:
AK3806
Level:
8
Points:
120
Duration:
1 year full-time / part-time available
Campus:
South Campus
Starts:
3 Mar 2025
21 Jul 2025

Key semester dates
Fees
Domestic
$11,220 (for 120 points)
($10,028 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
International
$44,792 (for 120 points)
($43,600 tuition fees + $1,192 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.

Scholarships

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