This postgraduate diploma is designed to equip learners with advanced knowledge and competencies in their specialised field. Depending on their specialisation, learners will be prepared for independent research, higher level education and/or employment in the principal area of specialisation.

Graduates of this programme will:
GPO 1: Apply advanced concepts, frameworks, philosophies and informatics for the field of healthcare, and critically evaluate their effectiveness for individuals, their whānau/family and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. (15 credits)
GPO 2: Apply advanced critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills to evaluate challenges and issues, utilising insights to inform professional and ethical practices in healthcare.(15 credits)
GPO 3: Engage in rigorous analysis and critique to develop innovative strategies and/or interventions to support health of Māori and/or Pasifika communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. (20 credits)
GPO 4: Investigate problem-solving techniques and recommend appropriate methods to address the disparities and challenges in healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. (20 credits)
For Mental Health specialisation:
GPO 5: Apply advanced knowledge of mental health to honour the rights and needs of Māori as tangata whenua and the obligations of tangata tiriti to advocate for equitable health and wellbeing throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. (25 credits)
GPO 6: Develop evidence-based recommendations for promoting mental wellbeing and healthy lifestyles that are tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable individuals, their whānau/family and communities, incorporating feedback from stakeholders. (25 credits)
For Community Health specialisation:
GPO 7: Apply advanced knowledge of community health to honour the rights and needs of Māori as tangata whenua and the obligations of tangata tiriti to advocate for equitable community health and wellbeing throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. (25 credits)
GPO 8: Develop evidence-based recommendations for promoting community wellbeing and healthy lifestyles that are tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable individuals, their whānau/family and communities, incorporating feedback from stakeholders. (25 credits)
For Addiction specialisation:
GPO 9: Apply advanced knowledge and skills of essential and practitioner foundation competencies to effectively facilitate professional and competent addiction work with vulnerable individuals, their whānau/family and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. (25 credits)
GPO 10: Engage with a diverse range of individuals using therapeutic interpersonal skills to understand and assess their addiction(s) and co-existing problem(s), and to establish an intervention plan. (25 credits)

Graduates of the postgraduate diploma will be able to show evidence of advanced knowledge in a specialist field of enquiry or professional practice and engage in critical intellectual analysis and academic research. Graduates may be eligible to pathway to and enrol in a relevant master's degree.

- A Bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline OR
- A Graduate Certificate in a health-related discipline OR
- A Graduate Diploma in a health-related discipline OR
- Relevant skills and knowledge acquired through advanced evidence-based work or professional experience in a patient/client-facing role within the health sector (min. 3 years in the last 5 years).
Evidence of the qualification(s) achieved and/or curriculum vitae and signed attestation(s) of professional work experience are required.
Special Admission:
Applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the Admission Criteria may be eligible for special admission. Special admission may be granted upon evaluation by the Head of School and the Academic Board, or delegate authority, based on evidence supplied. This may include a resume, personal statement, and portfolio. It is expected these documents provide evidence of relevant work experience undertaken by the applicant. This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Entry Requirements:
Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake the Programme which is taught and assessed in English
International learners must meet the English Proficiency Outcomes for International learners as set out in Appendix 1 of the NZQCF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules. These can be accessed at https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/
Visa and Insurance:
International learners require a valid visa and insurance to study on the programme. The type of visa will determine the mode of delivery.
Criminal Record Check:
Healthcare workers work with people in vulnerable situations, and this requires a high level of integrity and trust.
NZSE will carry out a Police Vetting check on prospective domestic applicants. Student entry will be provisional until these checks have been completed. The outcome of the Police Vetting check will be kept on the applicant's files.
International students applying for a visa with New Zealand Immigration are expected to be of good character. "This includes having no criminal history and providing correct and complete information" (New Zealand Immigration, 2024).
If any applicant/student has or acquires a criminal conviction (except for minor traffic convictions) during the programme, they are required to declare it. A conviction or charge may lead to the student being withdrawn from the programme. This will be decided by NZSE's disciplinary process. Those who have declared a criminal conviction need to provide details of:
Two referees who are aware of the criminal conviction; and
The charge/s upon which they were convicted, any mitigating circumstances, the penalty the offence carried, and the actual penalty handed down by the court; and
Any personal information held by the Ministry of Justice about them.
Safety Checks:
The field of healthcare may involve working with young people. Hence, we will require the applicants to pass a safety check consistent with the requirements of the Children Act 2014.