Understanding Public Health in Aotearoa New Zealand

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of public health.

Key facts

Start date: 8 December 2025, 9 March 2026 or 31 August 2026

Cost: $590 including GST

Duration: 10 weeks

Delivery mode: Online

Time commitment: 50 hours

Overview

This micro-credential introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of public health, focusing on the Aotearoa New Zealand context. Students will explore how public health works to protect and improve population health while addressing health equity across communities.

The course examines models of health and the role of the social determinants of health. By the end of the micro-credential, students will have a solid foundation in public health functions and approaches and their practical application in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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 Introduction to Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Public Health courses, can be used as recognition of prior learning for 231106 Introduction to Public Health in the Bachelor of Health Science.

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this courses should be able to:

  • explain the key concepts and principles of public health in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • explain the core functions of public health and diverse disciplines in public health
  • describe the development of public health internationally and in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Assessments

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

Requirements to successfully complete the course

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

Meet your facilitators

Registrations

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

Register for the 8 December 2025 course

Register for the 9 March 2026 course

Register for the 31 August 2026 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 contact Associate Professor Chrissy Severinsen at c.a.severinsen@massey.ac.nz

Other micro-credential courses you might like

Introduction to Epidemiology & Biostatistics

This micro-credential course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods used to understand and measure population health.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi & Public Health

This micro-credential course explores Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation for public health work in Aotearoa New Zealand.