Program Overview

Certificate in Health

The Certificate in Health (CertHlth) prepares students with the skills and knowledge to make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of their community through health promotion.

Introduction

The CertHlth is a short programme that focuses on health services, policies, and science. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of how the circumstances in which people live, work, and play affect their health, and how to create environments that support New Zealanders to live long and healthy lives regardless of their income or ethnicity.

What Will My Study Involve?

• The Certificate consists of introductory compulsory courses in health promotion with elective courses in a specific area of health interest.
• Students will study and complete four courses full-time in 6 months or part-time over 3 years.
• There is an option to transfer completed courses to the Diploma in Health or the Bachelor of Health.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the certificate, students will need:

• University Entrance (or equivalent). The university offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.
• If English is not their first language, students are also required to meet the university's Undergraduate language requirements.

Degree Structure

The CertHlth is made up of 60 total points, including elective courses on introductory health topics. Students can begin their studies in either February or July and can take six months full-time or up to three years part-time to complete. There is also the option to transfer any completed courses to the Diploma in Health or the Bachelor of Health during study.

Subjects and Courses

Compulsory Courses

Students must choose at least two from the following:

• HLTH101 Introduction to Health Studies
• HLTH102 Health Promotion
• HLTH105 Communication for Practice
• HLTH106 Te Wero Mori Health Issues and Opportunities

Elective Courses

Students will choose the remaining two courses from the following:

• 100-level
  • HLTH101 Introduction to Health Studies
  • HLTH102 Health Promotion
  • HLTH105 Communication for Practice
  • HLTH106 Te Wero Mori Health Issues and Opportunities
  • HLTH111 Global Health
  • HLTH112 Anatomy and Physiology I
  • HLTH113 Anatomy and Physiology II
  • HLTH121 Introduction to Health Education
  • HLTH122 Building Resilience
  • SOWK101 Introduction to Social Policy
  • SOWK102 Social Services in Aotearoa
• 200-level
  • HLTH203 Epidemiology
  • HLTH213 Health Systems and Policy
  • HLTH214 Environmental and Occupational Health
  • HLTH215 Human Development Across the Lifecourse
  • HLTH216 Foundations of Mental Health and Addictions
  • HLTH222 Sexualities in Education
  • HLTH223 Physical Activity and Nutrition
  • MAOR270 Te Ao Hauora Tangata: Mori Health Perspectives
  • SPRT207 Nutrition and Exercise Prescription
  • SPRT229 Sport Psychology

Fees

Domestic Students

2026 tuition fee estimate: $4,394 (60 points)

International Students

2026 tuition fee estimate: $19,300 (60 points)

Further Study

The Certificate can be used as a pathway to the full Bachelor of Health degree.

Careers

This Certificate gives students an introduction to current health research, systems, and issues, which will inform their work with others on their health and wellbeing. Career pathways could include:

• Health promoter
• Wellbeing coordinator
• Community health worker
• Health educator

Example Degree Structure Diagram

Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more. This diagram is an example only other combinations are possible.