Deepen your understanding of health systems
Develop a systematic understanding of the social, political, and economic factors contributing to national health challenges.
Learn how decisions about health service delivery are made and how to influence system change. Discover effective strategies for preventing disease, ensuring efficient and high-quality health care, and reducing health inequalities. Devise solutions based on the most up-to-date research and evidence.
Whether you’re continuing from undergraduate study, a health policy professional who wants to extend your skills, or you want to move into this field from another career or study path, postgraduate study of Health Policy, Planning and Service Delivery can help you achieve your goals.
Choose your study path
You can study this subject in several qualifications, including:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health
- Master of Health
- Doctor of Health
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Flexible study online
Depending on the qualification and courses you choose, you’ll complete your study through online learning, face-to-face block lectures and workshops, research projects, and practicums.
Our flexible study options allow you to learn at home or on campus so you can study around your other commitments.
Part-time study options
You can choose to study part time with one course per trimester, or 20 hours of study a week.
Build towards a Master’s
You can staircase your study from Postgraduate Certificate to the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master’s. The courses you study in one qualification can count towards the next one.
The postgraduate path you take will depend on your previous academic achievements and your professional goals.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study postgraduate Health Policy, Planning and Service Delivery at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
This subject develops the skills you need for roles in planning, funding, or decision-making within:
- central government ministries such as Te Whatu Ora—Health New Zealand
- crown entities
- primary health organisations (PHOs)
- local organisations
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- private organisations.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Health Policy, Planning and Service Delivery
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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This scholarship was established, via the Victoria University Foundation, through a bequest from Bruce Lauder of Timaru, in memory of his sister, Janet Lauder, who had a long career as a nurse. To support postgraduate nursing students at Victoria University of Wellington undertaking research in public or community heath. The funds are to be used to support research-related expenses or...
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Health Policy, Planning and Service Delivery
-
This scholarship was established, via the Victoria University Foundation, through a bequest from Bruce Lauder of Timaru, in memory of his sister, Janet Lauder, who had a long career as a nurse. To support postgraduate nursing students at Victoria University of Wellington undertaking research in public or community heath. The funds are to be used to support research-related expenses or...
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.