Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon
Skip to main content

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH)

    Overview

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH) is a broad-based qualification which is highly sought after by a range of employers. It is relevant and practical, with graduates being able to identify and understand public health issues, and depending on which optional papers are taken, gain the skills to analyse and use health data, design appropriate health promotion strategies, plan and evaluate public health interventions, work collaboratively with professionals and the community, appreciate resource allocation and cost issues in health and uphold ethical standards.

    The DPH consists of four core papers, with a further four papers chosen from the schedule enabling the qualification to cover a broad range of public health topics. We expect that the majority of students will complete an unendorsed DPH, however there are three endorsed options for those with specific interest areas in epidemiology, health promotion, or social research methods.

    For those who are planning to go on to a Master of Public Health (MPH), a research paper relevant to the intended methodological approach needs to be included as one of the optional four papers. This is in addition to the core epidemiology paper, PUBH 711 Principles of Epidemiology.

    The DPH can be used as a stand-alone qualification, but equally you can use the papers from the Diploma to progress to the Master of Public Health (MPH). Note candidates for the MPH must have attained a good B average (73%) overall in their DPH.

    View further information on postgraduate studies in Public Health.

    Information for new applicants

    The course is open to those with a wide variety of backgrounds and qualifications. As a guide, a general requirement for entry into postgraduate public health courses is a good undergraduate degree, diploma, or professional qualification, which would normally equate to a B average overall.

    Returning students

    The structure of the Diploma in Public Health changed in 2015 with papers moving to 15 point offerings, taught in half semester terms. Please visit the  Public Health website for more information.

    Ready to apply?

    If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.

    Programme details

    Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH)

    1. Admission to the Programme

      1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
      2. Every applicant shall be a graduate or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years' full-time tertiary study.

    2. Structure of the Programme

      1. The programme of study shall consist of approved papers from the Schedule for either the unendorsed or an endorsed option worth a total of 120 points, including the four compulsory papers (PUBH 711, PUBH 712, PUBH 713 and PUBH 714, each worth 15 points).
      2. If the diploma is to be endorsed in an area of specialisation, the papers must be as specified in the schedule.
      3. A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health shall be credited with those papers for the diploma which have been previously passed for the certificate.

    3. Duration of the Programme

      The duration of the programme shall be one academic year of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study.

    4. Examination

      Every candidate must gain terms before being admitted to examinations.

    5. Level of Award of the Diploma

      The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

    6. Variations

      The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

      Note: In the admission process priority consideration will be given to applications for first enrolment received by 15 November in the year preceding entry.

    More information

    Wellington Campus
    Postgraduate Co-ordinator
    Department of Public Health
    University of Otago, Wellington
    Level 4, 29 Brandon Street
    PO Box 7343, Wellington
    Tel +64 4 832 3017
    Email publichealth.uow@otago.ac.nz

    Dunedin Campus
    Public Health Postgraduate Administrator
    Department of Preventive and Social Medicine
    Otago Medical School – Dunedin Campus
    Email publichealth.dunedin@otago.ac.nz

    Christchurch Campus
    Postgraduate Administrator
    Department of Population Health
    University of Otago, Christchurch
    Tel +64 3 364 3602
    Email publichealth.christchurch@otago.ac.nz

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

    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 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
    Postgraduate student
    Back to top