Develop the insight and leadership skills needed to influence health services and outcomes.
Why study postgraduate Health Management
Postgraduate study in Health Management helps you understand how health systems are designed, governed, and improved. You’ll explore how policy, planning, and performance shape health services and how organisations respond to changing population needs.
The programme develops your ability to think critically, interpret evidence, and contribute to informed decision making. With a strong focus on systems, strategy, and organisational performance, you will build the knowledge needed to work effectively across health and social care settings and progress into advanced professional roles.
You can study the Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Health Management or the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Management at our Dunedin, Christchurch, or Wellington campuses.
Career opportunities
Graduates in Health Management move into roles where leadership, coordination, and strategic thinking are essential. Career pathways include:
- Health service manager
- Policy or planning advisor
- Clinical or programme coordinator
- Quality and performance manager
- Health sector consultant
What it’s like to study at this level
Postgraduate study in Health Management is collaborative, applied, and grounded in contemporary health issues. You’ll engage with case studies, discussion-based learning, and coursework that connects theory with current practice. Classes draw on real health system contexts, encouraging you to analyse policy, evaluate service delivery, and reflect on leadership in action.
You’ll study alongside students from a range of professional backgrounds, creating a learning environment that supports shared perspectives, critical thinking, and professional growth.
This is for you if ...
You’ll be a health professional with an interest in health systems, leadership, or policy. Experience in health, public service, or related fields is helpful, along with strong communication skills.
Strengthening practice in Health Management
Otago’s Health Management programmes are shaped by strong links between teaching, research, and contemporary practice. You’ll learn from academic staff who contribute to health management and policy research, ensuring your study reflects current thinking in the field. The curriculum is designed to support advanced professional development, with an emphasis on critical analysis, applied understanding, and informed leadership. This focus allows you to deepen your expertise and strengthen your capability to contribute effectively within complex health organisations.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)
A one- or two-year postgraduate degree for health professionals, encompassing coursework and/or research in a chosen area of specialisation
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Management (PGDipHealMgt)
A two-semester programme that draws on public health and business administration, benefitting both health professionals and managers entering the health sector
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers | Points |
|---|---|
| Four papers worth a total of 60 points from the following: | 60 |
| Approved papers to a total of 60 points from the schedule of papers for the Diploma in Business Administration. (DipBusAdmin) | 60 |
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
HLMT papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLMT790 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year, 1st Non standard period (25 February 2026 - 20 February 2027), 1st Non standard period (25 |
Contacts
Department of Public Health (Dunedin)
Divisional Services Administrator
Email publichealth.dunedin@otago.ac.nz
Amanda Clifford
Co-ordinator, Student Experience
University of Otago, Christchurch
Tel +64 3 378 6161
Email amanda.clifford@otago.ac.nz
Andrew Wood
Postgraduate Administrator
Department of Public Health
University of Otago, Wellington
Email publichealth.wellington@otago.ac.nz
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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