Health Management

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Programme Academic Co-ordinator (or nominee).

Every applicant shall

• be a graduate or hold a professional qualification requiring at least three years of tertiary level study; or
• have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences);
• present evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, April, July, September

Course content

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Management (PGDipHealMgt) is a programme of study that draws equally on public health and business administration. Participants study health systems and health economics in the public health programme and a suite of recommended papers in business.

Those most likely to benefit from the programme are health professionals moving into managerial roles, managers taking up positions in the health sector, and those in existing health management positions seeking both to advance their skills and to enhance their understanding of the sector and their role within it.

The programme, aside from its academic and vocational relevance, also provides students with an opportunity to work with colleagues drawn from a range of health and management backgrounds.

Papers Points

Four papers worth a total of 60 points from the following:

• PUBH 713 Society, Health and Health Promotion
• PUBH 714 Public Policy and Health Systems
• PUBH 735 The Economics of Health Policy Decision Making
• PUBH 736 Economic Evaluation
• PUBH 742 International Health Systems
• PUBH 744 Healthy Public Policy

Approved papers to a total of 60 points from the schedule of papers for the Diploma in Business Administration. (DipBusAdmin)

Structure of the Programme

The programme shall comprise

• four papers (worth a total of 60 points) from: PUBH 713, PUBH 714, PUBH 735, PUBH 736, PUBH 742, PUBH 744 together with
• approved papers to a total of 60 points from the schedule of papers for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration.

With the prior approval of the Programme Academic Co-ordinator (or nominee), a candidate may substitute for one or more papers, equivalent papers offered by the University of Otago or another tertiary institution.

With the prior approval of the Programme Academic Co-ordinator (or nominee), a candidate who has previously completed postgraduate study in an associated discipline may be permitted to substitute alternative papers for one or more of the required papers.

With the prior approval of the Programme Academic Co-ordinator (or nominee), a candidate may substitute an approved research methods paper or papers worth 30 points for one Public Health paper worth 15 points and one Business Administration paper worth 15 points.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding