Structural Determinants of Health

This micro-credential introduces students to the social determinants of health equity in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a focus on the underpinning structural determinants.

Key facts

Start date: 6 July 2025

Cost: $590 including GST

Duration: 10 weeks

Delivery mode: Online

Time commitment: 50 hours

Overview

This micro-credential introduces students to the social determinants of health equity in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a focus on the underpinning structural determinants. Students will explore how structural determinants intersect to create and maintain health inequities, with attention to the social gradient in health. This course analyses the distribution of power, resources and opportunities across population groups, and examines Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a framework for understanding and action.

Who this course is for

This course is intended for people in the public health workforce.

What you'll get

Successful students will receive 5 credits added to their academic record at Massey.

Completion of this course, plus the Intermediary Determinants of Health and Global Determinants of Health micro-credential courses, can be used as recognition of prior learning for 231107 The Social Determinants of Health in the Bachelor of Health Science.

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:

  1. Define the social determinants of health and explain their influence on health outcomes.
  2. Describe how structural determinants shape access to power and resources, and how they create inequity in health outcomes across population groups, including Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled people, rural communities, Asian and ethnic communities, refugees, LGBTQIA+, and other socio-economic and identity groups
  3. Explain the relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a framework for identifying and addressing the social determinants of health equity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Assessments

Assessment type Assessment title Weighting (%) Link to learning outcome
Test Quiz 40 1 and 2
Written assignment Reflection 60 3

Requirements to successfully complete the course

Students must achieve at least 50% in the quiz and written assignment.

Meet your facilitators

Associate Professor Andy Towers

Associate Professor Andy Towers

PhD, MA, BA(Hons)
Associate Professor
Phone
Department
School of Health Sciences

Registrations

Please register and pay for this course using the links below.

Register for this course

Pay for this course by credit card

Pay for this course by invoice

Contact us

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, please email healthcourses@massey.ac.nz