Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Clinical Practice (PGDipRCP)

Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Clinical Practice (PGDipRCP)

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 must have been awarded the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of a university in New Zealand or hold an equivalent medical qualification acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) and be registered for medical practice in the country in which the programme is taught.
   3. Every applicant must have commenced vocational training for rural hospital medicine or general practice or have had at least two years of approved experience in rural hospital medicine or general practice.

2. Structure of the Programme

   1. The programme of study shall comprise papers to the value of at least 120 points; GENA 724 (15 points) and papers worth at least 60 points from the Core Papers in the Schedule, and further approved papers (up to 45 points) normally selected from the Elective Papers in the Schedule.
   2. A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Rural Clinical Practice shall be credited with those papers in the programme for the diploma which have been previously passed for the certificate.

3. Duration of the Programme

   The programme may be completed in two years of part-time study and must be completed within five years of admission.

4. Level of Award of the Diploma

   The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

5. Variations

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