Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Certificate in Health

The Graduate Certificate in Health (GradCertHlth) provides foundational knowledge in a short timeframe, making it an ideal option for professionals seeking targeted expertise. This certificate is suitable for those looking to break into the health sector, as it helps develop relevant skills and competencies for employment. Additionally, it can serve as a stepping stone to postgraduate study and research.

What Will My Study Involve?

• Understand core health concepts, principles, and policy with the ability to apply these in various health-related contexts.
• Demonstrate a commitment to culturally safe practice, particularly with Māori and Pacific communities, respecting cultural perspectives and values.
• Demonstrate skills in digital communication and health information technologies to reach and engage diverse communities.

Entry Requirements

For entry to the Certificate, you will need to have either previously completed a bachelor's degree in Aotearoa (or equivalent), or have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in a health-related area. If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements.

Degree Structure

The GradCertHlth is made up of a total of 60 points, which includes an introductory course followed by advanced health topics. You can begin study in February or July each year. The Certificate will take 6 months of full-time study, or up to 2 years part-time.

Subjects and Courses

Compulsory Courses

Complete one of the following:

• HLTH101 Introduction to Health Studies
• HLTH106 Te Wero – Māori Health Issues and Opportunities
• HLTH112 Anatomy and Physiology I

Elective Courses

Choose 45 points from the following:

• HLTH302 Evidence in Health
• HLTH306 Te Kete Hauora - Māori Health Knowledge and Understandings/Internship
• HLTH307 Human Nutrition Over the Lifespan
• HLTH312 Health Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
• HLTH316 Professional Skills in Mental Health and Addictions I
• HLTH321 Health Internship
• HLTH323 Critical Analysis of Health Education Practices
• HLTH326 Professional Skills in Mental Health and Addictions II
• BIOL351 Cell Biology 2
• GEOG325 Health, Wellbeing and Environment
• HSRV311 Qualitative Research Methods
• PACE390 Professional and Community Engagement Internships
• PSYC330 Forensic Psychology
• PSYC336 Industrial and Organisational Psychology
• PSYC341 Environmental Psychology
• PSYC348 Contemporary Issues in Family Psychology
• PSYC373 Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders
• PSYC374 Health Psychology
• PSYC375 Intermediate Research Methods and Statistics
• PSYC376 Working with People - Introduction to Professional Skills in Psychology
• PSYC378 Psychology of Social Media
• PSYC379 Introduction to Psychopathology
• PSYC380 Risk and Resilience in Human Development
• PSYC381 Applied Neuroscience: Brain Imaging
• PSYC382 Culture and Cognition
• PSYC384 Learning and Behaviour Analysis
• PSYC385 Human Factors: The Forces that Shape Behaviour with Products, Technology, and Systems
• SPCO309 Applied Exercise Physiology
• SPCO343 Performance Nutrition and Recovery Monitoring
• SPRT322 Physical Activity and Wellbeing
• SPRT323 Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology

Fees

Domestic Students

2026 tuition fee estimate: $4,724 (60 points)

International Students

2026 tuition fee estimate: $21,550 (60 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $22,500 (60 points)

Further Study

UC also offers a wide range of postgraduate Health programmes, including specialist programmes in Nursing, Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and more.

Career Ready

Completing this Certificate will support launching your career with the health industry or health-related organisations. As well as knowledge of health systems, practices, and theories, this programme will equip you with the confidence to navigate the health sector with your experiences in equitable practice, community representation, and bicultural engagement.