Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
Public Health
A course by
University of Canterbury
A one-year postgraduate qualification designed to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in public health, with a focus on equity, health systems, epidemiology, and health promotion.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Ilam campus, Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Develop core competencies in public health
Gain knowledge of epidemiology, health systems, Māori and Pacific health, and health promotion.
Apply public health theory in practice
Translate theoretical public health knowledge into skills for professional settings.
Address health equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Demonstrate an understanding of equity issues and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the context of public health.
What You're Signing Up For
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (PGDipPH) at the University of Canterbury is designed for graduates seeking to broaden or deepen their public health expertise. Students complete core courses in epidemiology, health systems, Māori and Pacific health, qualitative research, and health promotion, while also choosing electives from a broad range of related topics. The programme emphasizes equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and builds capabilities for evidence-based practice across health systems and communities both in Aotearoa and globally. It can serve as a standalone qualification or a pathway to the Master of Public Health.
Course Content
- Public Health Essentials: Building Blocks for Impact
- Health Systems in Action: Policy, Innovation and Equity
- Hauora Māori
- Qualitative Research Methods for Health
- Social and Political Epidemiology or Epidemiology and Critical Appraisal
- Elective courses in related fields (e.g., health sciences, statistics, policy)
- Topics in equity in health, Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Health promotion practice
What you need to know first
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., health sciences, psychology, data science, geography, politics, sociology, etc.)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Public Health
Healthcare
Policy and Government
Community Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Public health roles in local and central government
Public health agencies (e.g., Ministry of Health, Te Whatu Ora)