Certificate in Health Sciences

Public Health

Prepares students for health promotion roles by teaching how social, environmental, and economic circumstances affect community health and how to support wellbeing for all New Zealanders.

NZ$5,054

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

(60 Credits)


In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

University of Canterbury, Ilam Campus, Christchurch

It will take a total of 6 months

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Contribute to community health and wellbeing

Develop skills to make a positive impact in community health through health promotion initiatives.

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Understand health determinants

Recognize how the circumstances in which people live, work, and play affect their health and wellbeing.

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Promote healthy environments

Learn ways to create environments that support people to live long and healthy lives, overcoming barriers due to income or ethnicity.

What You're Signing Up For

The Certificate in Health Sciences (CertHealSc) provides foundational knowledge and skills in health promotion, enabling you to make a positive contribution to community wellbeing. It explores how people's living, working, and recreational environments impact health and how supportive environments can be created for healthy lives. The program consists of both core and elective courses in health sciences and offers a pathway to further study in health disciplines.

Course Content

  • Introductory compulsory courses in health promotion
  • Elective courses in specific areas of health interest (sample electives: HLTH111, SOWK101, SOWK102, HLED222, HLED223, HLTH203, HLTH213, MAOR270)
  • Fundamentals of public and community health
  • Socio-economic and environmental determinants of health
  • Health systems and community wellbeing
  • Critical issues in health and health policy

What you need to know first

University Entrance to UC or equivalent

For students with English as a second language: UC's English language requirements

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Health

  • Public Health

  • Community Services

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Health promoter

  • Wellbeing coordinator

  • Community health worker

  • Health educator