Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Level 8)

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science is a one-year full-time or up to four-year part-time program designed for nurses, health professionals, and managers seeking advanced knowledge and critical analysis skills in their respective disciplines. Offered through online and blended learning, the program provides specialization in nursing or health science, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare, research, and project management. Graduates can also pursue further study opportunities in related Master's programs.

Program Outline

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Level 8)

Degree Overview

This one-year full-time (or up to four years part-time) program caters to qualified nurses, health professionals, and health service managers looking to build advanced practice knowledge and critical analysis skills. The program offers specialization in various nursing or health science disciplines, building upon knowledge learned in previous qualifications or professional experience.

Objectives:

• Develop advanced practice knowledge and critical analysis skills in a specific nursing or health science discipline.
• Hone skills in constructive synthesis and effective application to health care delivery.
• Prepare graduates for further study opportunities in related fields.

Program Description:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science offers two pathways: one for nurses and one for interdisciplinary health professionals. It provides a range of online and blended courses, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Students can complete the program without choosing a specialty or choose from the following nursing specialty endorsements:

• Advanced Nursing Practice
• Registered Nurse Prescribing (approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand)
Graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in advanced nursing, allied health, research, and project management. Additionally, they can access advanced study options in the Master of Health Science or Master of Nursing Science programs.

Outline

The program focuses on online and blended delivery, offering flexibility for diverse learners. There are different entry points throughout the year depending on chosen courses, with most 30-credit courses offered in semesters starting in February or July.

Learning format:

• Online learning (courses delivered through a virtual platform)
• Blended learning (online learning with occasional face-to-face sessions)
• Workshops (some courses may require attendance)

Coursework:

The program entails individual study, critical reflection, field work, and online learning modules. Some courses may demand clinical practice involvement. Additionally, each course represents approximately 10 hours of learning per week. For nurses, contact Kathleen McCrory on 06 830 1405 or email kmccrory@eit.ac.nz. For non-nurses, contact Associate Professor Anita Jagroop-Dearing on 06 830 1535 or email ajagroopdearing@eit.ac.nz.

Assessment

Assessment methods typically employ a combination of assignments, tests, presentations, and other activities specific to each course.

Teaching

The program adopts engaging teaching methods designed for online and blended environments. These include virtual classroom discussions, asynchronous learning activities, and individual faculty support.

Careers

Graduates pursue leadership roles in several exciting fields:

• Nurses
• Allied Health Professionals
• Researchers
• Project Managers
The program also opens doors for further study towards Master's degrees within health science and nursing.

Other

• Enrolment applications are accepted twice a year - February and July.
• Completion of courses may earn credit towards Master's-level programs.
• Some courses may require attendance at workshops or online sessions.
• Applicants requiring credit transfer or recognition of prior learning should provide detailed evidence
• All applicants must demonstrably possess sufficient English language skills.