The Graduate Diploma in Digital Health at the University of Otago is a postgraduate conversion programme that builds practical skills in health informatics, digital health technologies and data-driven care delivery. It suits health professionals, IT graduates and others seeking to apply digital tools to clinical practice, health services or policy.
This diploma covers the foundations of digital health, combining technical, clinical and health-systems perspectives. Core topics typically include health informatics, electronic health records and interoperability, clinical data analytics and visualisation, privacy and security in health data, and implementation of digital health solutions in real-world settings. Students also study project management and change leadership for healthcare technology, evaluation methods for digital interventions, and ethical, legal and social issues related to digital health.
Learning is delivered through a mix of taught papers and applied project work. You can expect practical workshops on data tools and clinical systems, case studies drawn from New Zealand health services, and a capstone or practicum element where you apply digital health methods to a hospital, primary care practice or community health setting.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as health sciences, nursing, medicine, computer science, information systems, or a related social science. Applicants with extensive professional experience in health or IT may also be considered. Prior exposure to quantitative methods or basic programming is advantageous but not always mandatory; some preparatory coursework may be recommended if you lack this background.
International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements. Admission decisions may take into account academic transcripts, a CV outlining relevant work experience, and a personal statement describing your reasons for pursuing digital health and intended career goals.
Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge health and technology. Typical career paths include health informatician, clinical systems analyst, digital health project coordinator, eHealth implementation specialist, data analyst in health services, and policy or advisory roles in government or district health boards. The skillset is also relevant for clinical professionals who want to lead digital transformation in hospitals, primary care networks or community health organisations, and for researchers seeking to work on digital health projects.
The University of Otago has a long-standing reputation in health sciences and strong connections with New Zealand’s health services, providing opportunities for applied learning and clinical partnerships. The programme benefits from interprofessional teaching across health, information science and public health disciplines, and access to researchers experienced in health data, digital implementation and evaluation. Studying at Otago also offers the chance to engage with real-world projects in local hospitals and primary care settings, helping you build a portfolio of practical experience to take into the workforce.
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