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- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Level 8)
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Level 8)
To see the most relevant information, please let us know if you are an international student.
Programme Info
Contact Us
Phone: 0800 22 55 348 or email: info@eit.ac.nz
Phone: 0800 22 55 348 or email: info@eit.ac.nz
Phone: 0800 22 55 348 or email: info@eit.ac.nz
Programme Info
Advance your nursing or health science career
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science is a 120 credit programme (one year full-time or up to four years part-time) that provides the opportunity for qualified nurses, health professionals and health service managers to develop advanced practice knowledge and critical analysis skills.
Advance your nursing or health science career
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science is a 120 credit programme (one year full-time or up to four years part-time) that provides the opportunity for qualified nurses, health professionals and health service managers to develop advanced practice knowledge and critical analysis skills.
Programme Outline
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science offers two pathways, one for nurses and one for interdisciplinary health professionals. The diploma offers a selection of online and blended courses designed to meet the needs of health practitioners and other professionals whose practice has a focus on health. The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science may be completed with or without a specialty option.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science is characterised by advanced study in a specific nursing or health science discipline.
The programme requires a foundation of undergraduate knowledge and skills achieved through previous tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
Nursing specialty endorsement options available are:
- Advanced Nursing Practice
- Registered Nurse Prescribing (approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand)
As a graduate of the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science you will have developed your knowledge and skills of critical analysis, constructive synthesis and their application to health care delivery.
Graduates of this programme may be able to credit these courses to the Master of Health Science programme. Registered nurse graduates may progress to the Master of Nursing Science or Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) programme (pending successfully achieving the specified academic and professional practice criteria).
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Registered Nurse Prescribing) is approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand as an advanced nursing practice programme.
The courses required for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Registered Nurse Prescribing) in the recommended order are:
- MN8.402 Advanced Pathophysiology for Health Professionals
- MN8.409 Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing/Midwifery Practice
- MN8.401 Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- MN8.424 Registered Nurse Prescribing Practicum
You will also need a minimum of a B average in the prerequisite courses to enrol into the RN Prescribing Practicum, and a minimum of three years’ experience in the clinical area that you will be prescribing in (a requirement of Nursing Council). We recommend that you take the opportunity to discuss your study options with the Postgraduate Programmes Coordinator, prior to enrolment. This will 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
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.
Various teaching modes are used, such as virtual classroom discussions at predetermined times, and also in the asynchronous format.
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 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.
Career and Study Opportunities
Pending successful completion of the required academic entry requirements you may have the following further study options:
- Health Science graduates may pathway to the Master of Health Science.
- Registered Nurse graduates may credit their courses to the Master of Nursing Science programme or the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner Pathway) programme.
Possible career outcomes include a role in:
- Advanced nursing
- Allied health
- Research
- Project management
Entry Requirements
The academic entry requirement for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science is one of the following:
- A 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.
Jamie Hanley (Nursing) on 06 830 1111 or email jhanley@eit.ac.nz to discuss.
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 Diploma in Health Science offers two pathways, one for nurses and one for interdisciplinary health professionals. The diploma offers a selection of online and blended courses designed to meet the needs of health practitioners and other professionals whose practice has a focus on health. The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science may be completed with or without a specialty option.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science is characterised by advanced study in a specific nursing or health science discipline.
The programme requires a foundation of undergraduate knowledge and skills achieved through previous tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
Nursing specialty endorsement options available are:
- Advanced Nursing Practice
- Registered Nurse Prescribing (approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand)
As a graduate of the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science you will have developed your knowledge and skills of critical analysis, constructive synthesis and their application to health care delivery.
Graduates of this programme may be able to credit these courses to the Master of Health Science programme. Registered nurse graduates may progress to the Master of Nursing Science or Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) programme (pending successfully achieving the specified academic and professional practice criteria).
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Registered Nurse Prescribing) is approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand as an advanced nursing practice programme.
The courses required for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Registered Nurse Prescribing) in the recommended order are:
- MN8.402 Advanced Pathophysiology for Health Professionals
- MN8.409 Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing/Midwifery Practice
- MN8.401 Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- MN8.424 Registered Nurse Prescribing Practicum
You will also need a minimum of a B average in the prerequisite courses to enrol into the RN Prescribing Practicum, and a minimum of three years’ experience in the clinical area that you will be prescribing in (a requirement of Nursing Council). We recommend that you take the opportunity to discuss your study options with the Postgraduate Programmes Coordinator, prior to enrolment. This will 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
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.
Various teaching modes are used, such as virtual classroom discussions at predetermined times, and also in the asynchronous format.
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 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.
Career and Study Opportunities
Pending successful completion of the required academic entry requirements you may have the following further study options:
- Health Science graduates may pathway to the Master of Health Science.
- Registered Nurse graduates may credit their courses to the Master of Nursing Science programme or the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner Pathway) programme.
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