Postgraduate Diploma in Health Practice

Take the next step towards advanced health roles.

If you have a degree in nursing or a health-related area and you'd like to extend your knowledge and skills for advanced practice in the health sector, this one-year, full-time equivalent diploma will equip you with advanced practice knowledge and critical analysis skills. You'll spend time in independent study and undertake critical reflection.

To achieve the qualification, you need to complete four of the available courses within four years.

An endorsement is available for Registered Nurse Prescribing. Four specified courses are required to complete this endorsement; PGHL850, PGHL851, PGHL852 and PGHL853. Please contact the department prior to commencing to discuss the requirements with the Pathway Co-ordinator.

^ Please note: not all courses are offered in both semesters

* This programme is delivered using mainly online learning. It includes compulsory two-day workshops at the Manawa campus in Christchurch for some courses.

** Applications are ranked for acceptance twice a year: on 31 October for study starting in February the following year, and on 30 April for study starting in July that year.

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.