Auckland University of Technology

What you'll study

This programme provides core public health knowledge and practical skills in population health assessment, prevention and health promotion. Typical study areas include epidemiology and basic biostatistics, determinants of health and health equity (including Māori and Pacific health perspectives), environmental and occupational health, health systems and policy, and health promotion planning and evaluation.

Students can expect a mix of taught modules and applied work. Common components are:

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics – principles of study design, measures of disease frequency and basic data analysis for public health decision-making.
• Public Health Practice and Promotion – health promotion theory, programme planning, community engagement and evaluation approaches.
• Health Systems, Policy and Ethics – how health services are organised, policy analysis and ethical issues in population health.
• Determinants of Health and Indigenous Health – social, economic and cultural determinants with a specific focus on Māori and Pacific health and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi.
• Environmental and Occupational Health – key environmental hazards, risk assessment and interventions to protect population health.
• Research Methods or Applied Project – a capstone research or practice-based project that synthesises learning and demonstrates applied skills in a public health context.

Delivery emphasises applied learning, case studies from New Zealand health practice, and engagement with community and health sector partners. The programme is commonly available full-time or part-time to accommodate working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such as health sciences, nursing, social sciences, biological sciences or a related field. Candidates with professional registrations (for example nursing, allied health, or medical qualifications) and relevant work experience may also be eligible.

Selection often considers academic preparation in quantitative methods or life sciences; applicants without those backgrounds may be asked to demonstrate prior learning or undertake preparatory coursework. International applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements. Specific admission pathways, such as recognition of prior learning or credit transfer from related postgraduate studies, are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of public health roles across the health sector and related organisations. Typical career destinations include:

• Public health analyst or advisor in government health agencies and public health units
• Health promotion practitioner or programme coordinator in community, NGO or iwi/Māori health organisations
• Environmental health officer or policy support roles in local government
• Research support roles, data analyst positions and roles contributing to surveillance and evaluation
• Positions in international health organisations, development agencies, and charitable trusts focusing on population health initiatives

The Diploma is also commonly used as a stepping stone to further postgraduate study in public health, such as a master’s degree, for those who wish to move into specialist research or leadership roles.

Why study at Auckland University of Technology

Auckland University of Technology offers applied, practice-focused public health education embedded within a health faculty that engages with local communities, iwi and the health sector. The university emphasises work-relevant skills, contemporary teaching methods and opportunities to connect with practicing public health professionals and agencies across Auckland and New Zealand.

Students benefit from the university’s research-active staff, multidisciplinary perspectives, and a programme curriculum that addresses local health priorities including Māori and Pacific health equity. AUT’s location in New Zealand’s largest urban centre also provides access to a wide range of placement, networking and employment opportunities within regional and national health organisations.