Public Health :: Postgraduate Studies

The Department of Public Health highly values postgraduate study and our research students make fundamental contributions to the department's research. The Department offers exciting postgraduate programmes (Diploma in Public Health, Masters Public Health and PhD) spanning a wide range of topics of public health importance both in New Zealand and throughout the world. Current research includes studies in such diverse areas as the effects of indoor housing temperatures on respiratory disease, to the ecology of disease vector mosquitoes.

Table of contents :

 

Endorsed Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health

This qualification specialises in a particular area of public health, and comprises two papers from the Diploma of Public Health (DPH) programme which contribute to a particular area of interest. The endorsed papers must be equivalent to 30 points. This requires two semesters of part time study, or one semester of full time study. It could also lead to the Diploma or Masters of Public Health.

Block course options for the Certificate in Public Health

The following papers are taught on a 'block course' basis. This is intended to enhance their availablility to health promotion and public health workers from outside Wellington. This means that we can now offer a Certificate in Public Health for people who would otherwise have difficulty attending weekly classes.

For any queries email mary.anderson@otago.ac.nz

 

Special Topic DPH Paper : PubH707 -Social and political influences on food and nutrition

This special topic has been developed due to considerable interest in the public health issues related to food and nutrition. The current government has a strong focus on the issue with the implementation of its Healthy Eating - Healthy Action Strategy (Ministry of Health 2003) and the establishment of a health select committee of inquiry into obesity and type two diabetes. The paper aims to explore the social and political influences on food and nutrition and to consider how to intervene to address them. The paper will emphasise the role these factors play in creating and maintaining health inequalities, particularly inequalities between Maori and non- Maori.

For more information contact:
Dr Louise Signal, Senior Lecturer
Department of Public Health
Tel: +64 4 385-5541/8 ext 6477
email: louise.signal@otago.ac.nz


Certificate of Proficiency (COP)

A pass in a single paper, which is not part of another qualification, is awarded as a Certificate of Proficiency. A University of Otago COP can stand on its own, or be converted to another qualification. It can also be credited to an equivalent level qualification from another university with approval of the convenor of that qualification. You could incorporate a PUBH paper into a graduate certificate or diploma, or a Masters degree in this way. This could be of value to people with a wider interest in social, economic or environmental aspects of health, or in health as a multi-disciplinary concern. More...

The 700-label refers to papers which are normally part of a professional graduate qualification.


Diploma in Public Health (DPH)

This course is open to graduates from health and other disciplines. It is a one year full-time (or two year part-time) course, and includes papers in areas such as epidemiology, health policy, environmental health and health promotion. Students who complete the Diploma of Public Health to a high standard may wish to proceed to a Master of Public Health either by thesis or two DPH papers and a dissertation. More...

Application Forms for the Diploma in Public Health

 

Master in Public Health (MPH)

Candidates for the degree of Masters of Public Health (MPH) will have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health or an equivalent qualification at an acceptable level of attainment. The course of study will consist of either a thesis or two papers, including DPH papers not already completed, and a dissertation.

 

Completed PhD Theses and Masters Dissertations and Theses : Abstracts
Completed Thesis and Dissertation List (Word doc)

Theses and dissertations available from the University of Otago, Wellington, Medical Library

 

PhD

Students may undertake a PhD in the Department on either a part or full-time basis. High quality computing and library facilities are available. The Department has a thriving postgraduate community. PhD theses cover a broad range of topics from the secret lives of mosquitoes through to the politics of tobacco control. This range is not surprising given the diversity of influences in the field of public health. The research methodologies used draw on a variety of approaches, from laboratory science to participatory action research, and staff are available to assist students and provide support for research having statistical, epidemiological or qualitative components. Students are also given opportunities to present their research-in-progress, and are invited to participate in the exciting world of the Department.

For further information about undertaking a PhD at Otago University please see: http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/phd/index.html

 

 

 

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