Join a vibrant postgraduate community committed to advancing mental health knowledge and practice in New Zealand and beyond
Why study postgraduate Mental Health?
Mental health affects us all in many ways. Studying this subject at a postgraduate level lets you explore mental health beyond basics, focusing on complex issues, diverse populations, and innovative approaches. You’ll engage with current research, develop critical thinking, and learn to respond to mental health challenges with care and cultural awareness.
At Otago, mental health study integrates perspectives from psychology, social work, public health, and kaupapa Māori, reflecting New Zealand’s unique cultural context. You’ll deepen your understanding of how mental wellbeing connects to social factors, health systems, and community resilience. This knowledge prepares you to influence policy, design effective interventions, and support wellbeing in a range of settings.
Whether you want to pursue clinical practice, research, or leadership roles, postgraduate study in mental health opens doors to meaningful and evolving career paths. It’s a chance to contribute to positive change in a world where mental health matters more than ever.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate study in mental health prepares you for roles that make a difference in people’s lives and communities. You will develop skills valued across health, social services, research, and policy sectors. Below are some career paths you might pursue:
- Mental health clinician or counsellor
- Public health advisor or policy analyst
- Community or social service coordinator
- Researcher in mental health and wellbeing
- Māori health specialist or kaupapa Māori mental health practitioner
What it’s like to study at this level
Studying mental health at Otago combines academic rigour with practical experience.
You’ll engage in guided research, critical reflection, and applied learning, including case studies and community-based projects. Collaboration with fellow students and faculty fosters a supportive environment where diverse perspectives, including Māori worldviews, enrich your understanding.
Block courses are based at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus, while the distance learning option involves self-directed study using course material and completing assessments.
This is for you if ...
You are a graduate or hold a relevant health professional qualification with at least three years’ full-time tertiary study. You have experience or current work in a related health care field. It’s recommended you seek advice from a course adviser before submitting your application.
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.
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc)
A one-year part-time (or one semester full-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
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
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
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Contacts
Co-ordinator, Student Experience
University of Otago, Christchurch
Email postgrad.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/christchurch/psychmed
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