Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Health Care (PGCertPHC)
Course details
About the course
The Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Health Care (PGCertPHC) is an interprofessional distance-taught programme available for health, social care and management professionals engaged in the delivery of primary health care (e.g. medicine, nursing, paramedicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, primary health care management). It provides a formal nationally recognised primary health care qualification.
The programme is designed to provide a deeper understanding of evidence based and translational primary health care practice taught by active practitioners and research academics in an interprofessional Primary Health Care and General Practice Department. Interprofessional teaching and learning will equip you to understand the key principles and major primary care issues facing you and your workplace or community today: you will cover the policy context of primary care today within the Health and Disability sector, population health, equity and ethics, collaborative care and leadership, quality and safety. You will take way with you the following skills: oral and written presentation, critical thinking, communication, applying evidence, information and research literacy and principles for team working.
Students are encouraged to seek course programme advice from the postgraduate coordinator or director at an early stage. The PGCertPHC is constantly updated to keep pace with an ever-changing health care landscape to be sure to meet the needs of the current and future workforce: busy professionals who combine work with personal life.
At the completion of this qualification, graduates are able to continue to the Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Health Care (PGDipPHC), and then become eligible to apply to continue to the Master of Primary Health Care (MPHC).
About the provider
The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in New Zealand, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation.
Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves.
The University’s campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. New Zealand is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, Māori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents.