Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Level 8)

To see the most relevant information, please let us know if you are an international student.

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To see the most relevant information, please let us know if you are an international student.

Advance your nursing or health science career

The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science offers a selection of courses designed to meet the needs of nurses, health practitioners, health sector managers and other professionals whose practice has a focus on health. The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science may be completed with or without a specialty option.

Advance your nursing or health science career

The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science offers a selection of courses designed to meet the needs of nurses, health practitioners, health sector managers and other professionals whose practice has a focus on health. The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science may be completed with or without a specialty option.

Programme Outline

The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science offers a selection of online and blended delivery courses designed to meet the needs of nurses, health practitioners, health sector managers and other professionals whose practice has a focus on health. It is comprised of 60 credits, which is considered to be equivalent to six months full-time study or up to two years part-time study.

The programme is characterised by advanced study in a specific nursing or health science discipline, requiring a foundation of undergraduate knowledge and skills achieved through previous tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience.

Upon graduating with the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science students will have developed their knowledge and skills of critical analysis and constructive synthesis and their application to high quality approaches to health care delivery.

As a graduate of the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science you may be able to credit these courses to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science or the Master of Health Science (pending successfully achieving the specified academic entry criteria). In addition, registered nurse graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate may choose to progress into the Master of Nursing Science or Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) programme (pending successfully achieving the specified academic and practice entry criteria).

The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science is an interdisciplinary programme.

2025 Course Options

  • Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning
  • Advanced pathophysiology for health professionals
  • Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced nursing/midwifery practice
  • Advanced practice to support elder health
  • Research paradigms for nursing science
  • Infectious and communicable diseases
  • Health promotion
  • Global health
  • Health in Aotearoa New Zealand

We highly recommend that you take the opportunity to discuss your study options with the Postgraduate Programmes Coordinator, prior to enrolment, to help ensure that you select the most appropriate pathway to meet your career goals.

For nurses contact:

Renee Goldbert (Nursing) on 06 830 1545, or email rgoldbert@eit.ac.nz

For non-nurses contact:

Dr Russell Davies (Health Science) on 06 830 6060, or email  rdavies@eit.ac.nz

Career and Study Opportunities

Pending successful completion of the required academic entry requirements, graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science may progress on to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science or Master of Health Science.

Graduates who hold a current Nursing Council of New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate may progress to the Master of Nursing Science or Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner Pathway).

Possible career outcomes include a role in:

  • Advanced nursing
  • Allied health
  • Research
  • Project management

Entry Requirements

The academic entry requirement for the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science is one of the following:

  • NZQF-listed undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a health-related field with a minimum of the equivalent to a B average as per the EIT-specified 11-point achievement-based grading system; or
  • A degree or equivalent professional qualification in a different field if the applicant can supply evidence of work experience at degree level or above within a health related field, subject to an interview and/or the submission of a portfolio of evidence to establish the status and relevance of the applicant’s prior learning and experience; or
  • At the discretion of EIT, where an applicant’s situation is compelling but not covered by the requirements listed above.

An interview may be part of the application process.

Additional entry requirements for the specified nursing practice endorsements may be required, including:

  • Registered Nurse
  • Current annual practising certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand

Special Conditions

For acceptance into some of the nursing courses, applicants must provide evidence of a current Nursing Council of New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate.

For nurses considering the nurse practitioner pathway, please seek guidance from the Nursing Postgraduate Programmes Coordinator in regard to course choices before enrolling.

Contact Jamie Hanley on 06 830 1111 or email jhanley@eit.ac.nz 

English Language Entry Requirements

Applicants from countries in which English is not the primary spoken language must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. Ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include:

Completion of a programme of study in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply*)

Approved scores on IELTS tests, namely an Academic score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6 (or accepted international equivalents)

*See NZQA English language entry requirements for international learners at https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/

Entry with Credit

Applicants may be admitted with credit transfer or recognition of prior learning. The Postgraduate Programmes Cluster Committee has discretion in the granting of academic credit.

Academic credit may be awarded as specified credit where there is a substantial match between previous learning and the course for which academic credit is sought; or unspecified credit where the learning is broadly relevant to, and at an equivalent level to, the course for which academic credit is sought.

Credit granted shall not be for course(s) completed as part of an undergraduate degree, nor shall credit be granted that exceeds one-half of the total programme credits.

A Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/entry with credit application pack is available on enrolment. It is recommended that applications for RPL/entry with credit are made as part of your initial application. Entry with credit cannot be processed until you are enrolled.

For further information please contact the Postgraduate Programmes Administrator, Stacey Wong, on 06 830 1507.

How to Enrol

Step 1 – Check entry requirements

Make sure you have read and understood the entry requirements for your situation and background.

Entry requirements can be different for domestic and international students.

Step 2 – Confirm campus and check key dates

The next intake date(s) for your chosen course and campus are listed in the Course Details panel on this page.

Dates can vary between campuses, so make sure you have selected the campus you wish to study at.

Step 3 – Confirm fees and costs

Visit https://www.eit.ac.nz/fees/ to see the fees for this programme.

Step 4 – Complete any supporting forms

If your course requires any supporting forms, they will be listed below under ‘Supporting Documentation’

Step 5 – Submit your application

You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.

You’ll also need to know what you want to study – your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take.

You may be asked to submit supporting documentation with your application.

Programme Outline

The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science offers a selection of online and blended delivery courses designed to meet the needs of nurses, health practitioners, health sector managers and other professionals whose practice has a focus on health. It is comprised of 60 credits, which is considered to be equivalent to six months full-time study or up to two years part-time study.

The programme is characterised by advanced study in a specific nursing or health science discipline, requiring a foundation of undergraduate knowledge and skills achieved through previous tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience.

Upon graduating with the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science students will have developed their knowledge and skills of critical analysis and constructive synthesis and their application to high quality approaches to health care delivery.

As a graduate of the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science you may be able to credit these courses to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science or the Master of Health Science (pending successfully achieving the specified academic entry criteria). In addition, registered nurse graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate may choose to progress into the Master of Nursing Science or Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) programme (pending successfully achieving the specified academic and practice entry criteria).

The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science is an interdisciplinary programme.

2025 Course Options

  • Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning
  • Advanced pathophysiology for health professionals
  • Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced nursing/midwifery practice
  • Advanced practice to support elder health
  • Research paradigms for nursing science
  • Infectious and communicable diseases
  • Health promotion
  • Global health
  • Health in Aotearoa New Zealand

We highly recommend that you take the opportunity to discuss your study options with the Postgraduate Programmes Coordinator, prior to enrolment, to help ensure that you select the most appropriate pathway to meet your career goals.

For nurses contact:

Renee Goldbert (Nursing) on 06 830 1545, or email rgoldbert@eit.ac.nz

For non-nurses contact:

Dr Russell Davies (Health Science) on 06 830 6060, or email  rdavies@eit.ac.nz

Career and Study Opportunities

Pending successful completion of the required academic entry requirements, graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science may progress on to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science or Master of Health Science.

Graduates who hold a current Nursing Council of New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate may progress to the Master of Nursing Science or Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner Pathway).

Possible career outcomes include a role in:

  • Advanced nursing
  • Allied health
  • Research
  • Project management

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree in health science/a health discipline with a minimum equivalent to a New Zealand Grade B.

Where an applicant does not hold an undergraduate degree in a health discipline, submissions from fields allied to health may be considered.

English Language Entry Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international students, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:

  • PTE (Academic) score of 58 with no band score lower than 50
  • IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0 (or equivalent) achieved within the last two years.
  • International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA or successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply).

Further information about NZQA English language entry requirements for international students can be found at www2.nzqa.govt.nz/tertiary/english-language-entry-requirements-for-international-students/

How to Apply

Ready to apply? It’s easy!

Complete and sign our international student application form at eit.ac.nz/apply-online-international/

  • Indicate which programme you intend to study.
  • Attach a verified copy of your birth certificate or passport to use as identification.
  • Remember to include all other supporting documents.
  • We will assess your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible, usually within three to five working days.

On-campus study in New Zealand

Step 1 – Pay your fees

  • After submitting your application, you will receive an Offer of Place letter by email with details of your tuition and other fees payable.
    Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent.
  • Pay your fees and apply for your student visa.
  • We will send you a receipt, which you will need when you apply for your student visa.

We recommend you apply at least 12 weeks before your intended start date. You can apply online at www.immigration.govt.nz
If you have any questions about the process, contact your agent or email visas@eit.ac.nz

Step 2 – Prepare to come to New Zealand

Book your flights

When your student visa is approved, book your flights and ensure you meet all government-mandated entry requirements to come to New Zealand. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for the most up-to-date information.

Organise your accommodation

If you haven’t already organised your accommodation, you should now decide which of the accommodation options is most suitable for you. You can find our more about our EIT accommodation options here.

Step 3 – Connect with us

  • Be sure to complete and submit the arrival form sent to you by the International Student Support Officer.
  • Your International Student Support Officer will contact you prior to the start of your programme to let you know what you need to do and keep you up to date on what to expect when you arrive.

Online study

Step 1 – Enrol

  • After submitting your application, you will receive your acceptance into the programme by email alongside instructions on how to enrol.
  • Complete and sign the enrolment form provided to you by our Admissions Team and send it back to internationalapplications@eit.ac.nz
    Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent.

Step 2 – Choose your courses and pay your Fees

  • Your course selection form will be sent to you by our team.
  • After completing your course selection form, you will be sent an invoice. You can then pay your fees by bank transfer to EIT’s account. Full account details and payment information will be provided on your invoice.

Step 3 – Connect with us

Your International Student Support Officer will contact you after you enrol to keep you up-to-date with anything you need to know, including details about your Orientation, where you will meet your classmates and all about studying at EIT.

Whether you join us on-campus or online, we welcome you to the EIT student community!

If you need any help you can contact our friendly staff at international@eit.ac.nz

Online / Blended Delivery

Our postgraduate courses are offered either online or with blended delivery. This means that the majority of the work is located on a virtual teaching and learning platform with directed activities and learning that you work through. Lecturers work within the virtual classroom setting so that they maintain contact with you.

Blended delivery means that there are contact sessions or workshops with the bulk of the learning activity undertaken in the online environment.

This flexible delivery method allows you to study at your pace, in your place, at locations throughout New Zealand.

Workload

Generally the courses are delivered online. However, some courses may require attendance at online sessions or face-to-face workshops. Any requirement for attendance at face-to-face sessions is identified in the course information.

Please click here to refer to the programme timetable, showing full year and semester dates, and compulsory study days or contact Stacey Wong, the Postgraduate Programmes Administrator on 06 830 1507 or swong@eit.ac.nz

Each credit for the course generally represents 10 hours of learning/study time over the period of the course.

Each course consists of online learning opportunities and in some cases clinical field work and workshops. You are expected to spend time in independent/self-directed study, critical reflection, and field work in your place of study or place of work.

Work-integrated Learning

Some courses will require you to be actively involved in clinical practice.

“What I enjoy best is that we got to do a lot of critical essays and forums that tickle our
academic creativity.”

Agatha Leiur Senina Araneta

Study at EIT

Disability Support

Support is available for students with physical, sensory, intellectual, and learning disabilities (including dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurodiversity) and mental health conditions. Support is designed to provide equitable opportunities and is available to all students with permanent or temporary disabilities or health conditions, including when recovering from injury or surgery. Services are available depending upon your needs and range from information and advice to technology solutions and alternative arrangements for test and exams. Our disability peer support group Te Rōpu Āwhina meets regularly on the Hawke’s Bay Campus to share kai, connection and wellbeing.

For more help please email Desley Aranui daranui@eit.ac.nz

Wellbeing Support

Wellbeing support is available to all students. We can help you to identify your goals, support your needs, and connect you with appropriate support on and off campus. We use Te Whare Tapa Whā as our guiding model for holistic support and connectedness.

We have a Rainbow Diversity peer support group Te Roopu Āniwaniwa on the Hawke’s Bay Campus, as well as wellbeing
drop ins and workshops to support you to maintain and improve your wellbeing.

For more information contact Barbara West bwest@eit.ac.nz

Māori and Pasifika Support

You can get advice, mentoring and support for cultural needs and values, te reo Māori, waiata and tikanga, scholarships, iwi and hapū registrations and grants.

Our Pasifika student support team aims to create a trusting and culturally inviting space for students to feel supported and thrive in their education journey. Our team is passionate and dedicated to removing barriers to learning by working with students and their aiga and staff in ensuring diversity and equity is met. We support students with studylink, tutor support, wraparound support and mentoring, cultural competency and much more.

For more information contact:

Pasifika
Valencia Taurima Heperi 
VTaurimaHeperi@eit.ac.nz

Māori pastoral care
Kaihoe Apiata
KApiata@eit.ac.nz

Māori Academic
Opal Horsefield Te Aho
OHorsefieldTeAho@eit.ac.nz

 

Academic Learning Services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more email Heather Pilbeam hpilbeam@eit.ac.nz

Scholarships

EIT offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels.  Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study.  Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.  

You can find a list of EIT scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally.  Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible here, at EIT or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.

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International Student Support

Our International Student Support Officers are here to support you every step of the way. Providing you with the one-to-one help, advice, information and guidance you need to succeed. 

Find out more about our International Student Support Services below:

Auckland Campus
Hawke’s Bay Campus

Academic Services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more:

Learning Support Services

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