Diploma in Health Sciences

Public Health

Gain a foundation in health promotion and public health through the one-year Diploma in Health Sciences at University of Canterbury. Choose electives to suit your career interests and prepare for pathways in health and wellbeing roles.

NZ$8,788

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

(120 Credits)


In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

University of Canterbury, Christchurch

It will take a total of 1 year

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Understand principles of health promotion

Develop core knowledge in health promotion and its impact on communities and systems.

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Apply health promotion in the New Zealand context

Learn frameworks and strategies to improve health outcomes and empower individuals and groups.

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Choose a health focus area

Specialize in an area of personal or career interest, such as nutrition, physical activity, Māori health, or community development.

What You're Signing Up For

The Diploma in Health Sciences (DipHealSc) introduces students to the principles and practices of health promotion and enables them to support healthier communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. With a blend of compulsory and elective courses, students develop foundational knowledge for understanding and promoting community health. The programme is suitable for those seeking an entry into the health sector, those wishing to add health understanding to their current role, or those intending to pathway to the Bachelor of Health Sciences.

Course Content

  • Four compulsory introductory courses in health promotion
  • Electives in nutrition, physical activity, Māori and Indigenous development, community health, and related topics
  • Principles and practices of health promotion
  • Community health and wellbeing
  • Foundation knowledge for supporting health services and access
  • Elective courses from a wide list, including Indigenous health and social work

What you need to know first

University Entrance or equivalent

English language requirements for non-native speakers

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Health

  • Public Health

  • Community Services

  • Health Promotion

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Health promoter

  • Wellbeing coordinator

  • Community health worker

  • Health educator