Transform your career by gaining specialist knowledge of the complex world of pain through research, clinical practice, and interprofessional collaboration
Why study postgraduate Pain and Pain Management
Postgraduate study in Pain and Pain Management allows you to explore one of the most universal yet misunderstood human experiences. Pain is not just physical, it’s biological, psychological, and social all at once. Our programme teaches you to navigate this complexity, drawing on cutting-edge research and evidence-based practice. You’ll learn to assess, diagnose, and treat pain in a way that respects each person’s full story. Whether your goal is to deepen your clinical skills, influence health policy, or contribute to pain science research, this course gives you the foundation to make a powerful impact.
Career opportunities
By specialising in Pain and Pain Management at Otago, you’ll be well prepared for a range of meaningful roles. Possible career pathways include:
- Clinical specialist in pain management (allied health or medical)
- Pain researcher (Master’s or PhD)
- Health policy adviser focused on pain care
- Educator or lecturer in health professional programmes
- Consultant in chronic pain rehabilitation services
What it’s like to study at this level
At Otago, postgraduate learning in pain blends theory, practice, and research. You’ll engage in distance-taught coursework that you can balance around your work. Many papers involve weekend workshops in New Zealand, bringing you face to face with experienced clinicians and peers from different disciplines. Through discussion, case-based learning, and critical appraisal, you’ll deepen your understanding of pain in realistic, clinical contexts – all within a supportive, interprofessional community.
This is for you if ...
This programme is designed for health professionals such as medical practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, podiatrists, chiropractors or osteopaths – who already have a relevant degree and want to specialise or grow their expertise.
Study with leaders in Pain Management
Otago offers a unique blend of research strength, clinical relevance, and flexible delivery. Our Pain and Pain Management programmes are endorsed by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP).
We teach through a distance-learning format, so you can earn an advanced qualification no matter where you are. Our teaching team includes senior clinicians and active researchers, ensuring that your learning is grounded in the latest evidence.
With Otago’s global reputation for health research and a truly interprofessional cohort, you’ll join a community shaping how pain care is delivered in New Zealand and beyond.
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.
Through my studies I gained deeper understanding of all aspects of pain and pain management. The interdisciplinary approach of the programme was incredible for cross pollination of ideas, and the tutors all brought a wealth of knowledge from their own experiences.
Dr Liz Edmonds
Specialist Anaesthetist, Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Pain and Pain Management)
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Thesis option |
|---|
| Coursework option |
|
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PAIN papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAIN710 | 2026 | Introduction to Pain | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| PAIN711 | 2026 | Introduction to Pain Management | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| PAIN712 | 2026 | Pain Assessment | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| PAIN713 | 2026 | Pain Neurobiology | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| PAIN714 | 2026 | Biomedical Pain Management | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| PAIN715 | 2026 | Psychosocial and Cultural Aspects of Pain | 15 points | Semester 2 |
Contacts
Postgraduate Programmes Administrator
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
University of Otago, Christchurch
Email msmandpainstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/christchurch/departments/orthomsm/postgraduate/
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
Explore our research