Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Sciences (Wellness and Rehabilitation)

Pursue the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Sciences (Wellness and Rehabilitation) to deepen your expertise and passion for health, wellness, and rehabilitation. 

Enhance your qualifications and advance your career with the advanced knowledge and skills required in the industry. This programme is designed for health and wellness or rehabilitation professionals or graduate students.

SIT now offers this programme in a HyFlex ('Hybrid-Flexible') format, allowing you to study onsite, online (live) and/or online in your own time. This programme is taught using a mix of online learning, practical experience and classroom teaching.

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Invercargill
Campus
Invercargill / Hyflex
Qualification
Postgraduate Diploma
Level
8
Credits
120
Duration

One year full-time

Blended delivery and part-time options available

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

2027 Direct material costs of $1085 (GST Inclusive)

International Fees

Check if this course is available to international students in our International section.

Course Outline

This programme is for health and wellness or rehabilitation professionals or graduates who want to undertake an advanced programme of study in order to prepare for further study, enhance their qualifications or to assist with obtaining a more senior position.

The areas of focus in this programme are:

  • Health and wellness
  • Holistic wellness
  • Nutrition for wellness
  • Musculoskeletal and Neurological Rehabilitation
  • Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Metabolic Health
  • Female health and wellness
  • Wellness for the older population

 

Course Content

SIT now offers this programme in a HyFlex ('Hybrid-Flexible') format, allowing you to study onsite, online (live) and/or online in your own time. This programme is taught using a mix of online learning, practical experience and classroom teaching.

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Science (Wellness and Rehabilitation) students will undertake a coherent programme of 120 credits approved by the Programme Manager.

The following course is compulsory for students to complete:

  • WR800 Wellness and Rehabilitation Principles (30 credits)

and an approved selection of courses worth 90 credits from the following list:

  • WR801 Advanced Practice to Support Older Persons’ Well-being
  • WR804 Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Metabolic Health
  • WR805 Musculoskeletal and Neurological Rehabilitation
  • WR808 Nutrition for Wellness

Alternatively, at most 30 credits may come from either a relevant postgraduate programme or undergraduate programme (level 7 credits)

Note:

  • Onsite students attend classes in Invercargill.
  • Online students join live sessions or access recordings.

2026 Intake 2 Papers: 20 July - 20 November (HyFlex Delivery) 

WR800 Wellness and Rehabilitation Principles 

WR801 Advanced Practice to Support Older Persons’ Well-being

WR805 Musculoskeletal and Neurological Health

WR810 Research Skills for Professional Practice

2026 Intake 3 Papers: 11 September - 14 January 2027 (Onsite Students only) 

WR800 Wellness and Rehabilitation Principles 

WR808 Nutrition for Wellness 


Course descriptions:

WR800 Wellness and Rehabilitation Principles 

This course enables practitioners to develop knowledge and skills in lifestyle wellness coaching to improve people’s health habits and coach people towards achieving their personal health and fitness goals. Practitioners will also apply the principles and practices of an interdisciplinary and client-centered approach to wellness and rehabilitation within their clinical or industry setting to enhance lifestyle management and healthy outcomes.

WR801 Advanced Practice to Support Older Persons’ Well-being

This course recognises the diversity of the older adult age group and the complex relationship between determinants of health, health status and well-being. With the steady increase in the number of older people, many of whom will experience chronic disease states and/or declining functional abilities, it is vital that advanced practitioners are able to assess, plan, deliver and facilitate appropriate evidence-based care and services for this age group. The course examines the scope of independent/collaborative practice in relation to health promotion, maintenance and restoration of health, preventative care, rehabilitation and/or palliative care and encourages the generation of new approaches to the delivery of expert care in different settings.

WR804 Cardiovascular, Pulmonary and Metabolic Health

The course will explore cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic health and wellness. This course assumes knowledge of the body’s response to normal anatomical/physiological function and directs the student towards a progressive and more critical understanding of altered, complex health states. This will include the multiple interrelationships of physical activity for daily living, exercise physiology and exercise prescription, to complement and inform advanced wellness practice. Students will design and implement quality integrated wellness and rehabilitation programmes for clients with cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic health conditions. Students will reflect on case management as a complete approach to wellness with emphasis on empowerment rather than dependence.

WR805 Musculoskeletal and Neurological Health

The course will explore musculoskeletal and neurologic health and wellness. This course builds on knowledge of the body’s response to physical activity, normal anatomical/ physiological function and directs the student towards a progressive and more critical understanding of altered, complex health states. This will include the multiple interrelationships of physical activity for daily living, exercise physiology and exercise prescription, to complement and inform advanced wellness practice. Students will design and implement quality integrated wellness and rehabilitation programmes for clients with musculoskeletal and neurological health conditions. Students will reflect on case management as a complete approach to wellness with emphasis on empowerment rather than dependence.

WR808 Nutrition for Wellness

The course will investigate current issues of nutrition as therapy for wellness. The emphasis will be on nutrition strategies for specific populations with New Zealand.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme may seek employment in the private or public sector undertaking a range of roles including:

  • ACC case manager, 
  • advanced massage therapy practitioners, 
  • clinical leadership and clinical specialist roles, 
  • complementary and integrative medicine professional, 
  • disability support services manager/professional, 
  • health promotion advisor, 
  • rehabilitation professional, 
  • spa/clinical practice manager, 
  • specialist advisor and health management roles, 
  • wellness and lifestyle coach.
Application Criteria

Entry requirements

To apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Sciences (Wellness and Rehabilitation), you’ll need:

  • A bachelor’s degree or graduate diploma in a relevant field
  • A minimum B grade average at Level 7

Relevant fields may include chiropractic, health science, massage therapy, medicine, naturopathy, nursing, occupational therapy, osteopathy, physiotherapy, sport and exercise, or a related area.

Special Admission

Mature-aged applicants may be considered if they can demonstrate their ability to succeed in the programme through relevant previous study or industry experience that meets the required standard for entry.

You may also be able to enrol in selected courses provisionally. After successfully completing these, you can apply for special admission.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

Accepted options include previous study completed in English or an approved English language test.

Common test requirements include:

  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 79, with a writing score of 21
  • TOEFL pBT: 590, with TWE 5.5
  • PTE Academic: 58, with no band below 50
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, score 176, with no skill below 169
  • OET: Grade C+ or 300 in all sub-tests
  • NZCEL: Academic or Professional Level 5
  • LanguageCert: C1 Expert with High Pass or C2 Mastery with Pass, with at least a Pass in each skill
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III, with at least a Pass in each band

Other recognised evidence of English proficiency may also be accepted.

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HyFlex?

HyFlex learning is designed to fit your needs — you can choose to study on campus, online in real time, or in your own time. No matter how you learn, you’ll get the same teacher, support, and resources as everyone else.

What is the difference between “semester' and ”intake"?

These terms refer to the same thing, you might also think of it as a school "term".

What is the difference between part time and full-time study?

Full-time study takes around 18 months and each intake you will be doing two courses per intake or your project/thesis. 

Part-time study spreads your courses over a longer time, so you can balance study with work or other commitments. For part time students you could do one course per intake or one course per year.

What does a typical course involve? 

Most courses include in person and online learning and interactive classes where you apply what you've learned. You’ll do readings and learning in your own time, then take part in group discussions, hands-on activities, and assessments that help you use research in real-world ways.

An example of class time would be:

Online class: 2–3 hours (scheduled within 9am–3pm Monday to Friday)
Online class: 7pm to 9pm

Please note that while typically online classes occur in the evening, some online classes may also occur during the day. For example, one paper includes a Wednesday morning class.

There may also be optional tutorial classes to add learning.

What are the differences between PG Cert, Dip and Masters?

The Certificate is the shortest (60 credits)

The Diploma is longer (120 credits) 

The Master’s is 180 credits, with deeper learning and a research project or thesis

Do I need a background in health sciences?

You don’t need a formal background, but a strong interest in health and wellbeing is important. If you’re passionate about helping others through wellness or rehabilitation, this programme could be a great fit.

Do I need to come to Invercargill at any stage?

No — thanks to HyFlex learning, you can study the programme onsite, online (live) and/or online in your own time.

How many assessments are there for each course?

Most courses have around two main assessments, and sometimes extra unmarked tasks to help you practise and apply what you've learned. The exact number can vary depending on the course.

Will I be required to attend classes at night?

Yes. Most courses have a night class, delivered online via Teams (accessed via Blackboard). Please note that there may be some classes that have an online class during the day.

Is there a list of recommended textbooks?

No. All resources required for your selected course(s) are provided, either directly in Blackboard or via links that will take you to the resource.

Are the course holidays the same as the school holidays?

Not always. Whilst every effort is made to match school holidays this is not always possible. Each course will provide you with a course outline that states when course holidays are, allowing you plenty of time to organise childcare.

Why are there different intakes listed?

There are multiple start dates each year so you can begin the programme at a time that works best for you. Although some courses are available only in a particular intake, you will still have the option of these due to the multiple end dates. 

Are you a domestic or international student?

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