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Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in General Practice ( PGDipGP ) is designed to further extend general practitioners' understanding of the context and philosophy of general practice.

If you are intending to study towards the Master of General Practice, you will need to have completed the PGDipGP including GENA 821 Research Methods or an equivalent approved research methods paper.

Normally one paper is taken each semester or each year on a part-time basis, usually over three to five years. You will need to take 120 points of papers including the core paper, GENA 820 The Nature of Medical Practice. If you have already completed a Postgraduate Certificate in General Practice ( PGCertGP ), these 60 points are credited towards your PGDipGP and you will only need to complete a further 60 points of papers.

The papers are distance taught using a combination of delivered course material, supplementary readings, videoconferences, internet-based learning, and-face to-face residentials. You will be expected to attend a residential component for each course. These are usually two days long. The 15-point papers have either one or two residential components, while the 30-point papers have either two or three residential components. These are an essential part of the learning experience.

Apply

For more information on the PGDipGP or to apply, visit the qualification page:

Postgraduate Diploma in General Practice (PGDipGP) qualification page

Contact details

If you have any queries about postgraduate study in the department, please contact:

Postgraduate Administrator
Email gp.postgrad@otago.ac.nz

Additional resources

Testimonials

  • “I will undoubtedly be a better doctor and be more content with my work. The breadth of education and exploration of experience and knowledge I think will impact on other areas of my life as well.” — Dr Steven Lillis
  • “I understand better the patient's perspective and the process of consultation and derive more satisfaction from being a general practitioner.” — Dr Don MacKenzie
  • “Critical appraisal: Like opening a new book I didn't know existed. Meaningful and very worthwhile.” — Dr Fiona Millard
  • “I enjoyed the first year so much, I thought: 'I've got to come back for more of this'.” — Dr Farah Deobhakta
  • “I've enjoyed the meeting of minds with other practitioners. Our group is spread right around the country, so it's a very diverse and interesting group of people.” — Dr Andrew McLeod
  • “I've been a front-line GP for some time. I really wanted to look at my practice in a little more depth.” — Dr Marion Updsell
  • “The diploma has made me think what, why, where, and how I'm doing things. It has stimulated my interest in research and teaching.” — Dr Warren Nicholl

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.

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