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MIT DIPLOMA IN HEALTH
PROMOTION
(Level 6)
Information Sheet and FAQ’s
Background to the qualification
The Diploma in Health Promotion is a 120 credit, Level 6 programme that prepares
students with knowledge and practical experience to enable them to work as a confident
health promoter across diverse communities and settings. It has been developed by the
Department of Nursing and Health Studies, Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) with
the support of the Ministry of Health, as a means of developing the public health
workforce. It primarily targets those who are working in the health promotion field, do
not have a formal qualification, and are unable to enter or commit to degree level study
at this time.
What is the profile of a graduate of the Diploma in Health Promotion?
A graduate from this programme will be competent to work in diverse communities as a
health promoter who
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Is an independent life-long learner, reflective, flexible and able to respond
positively to changes within local, national and dynamic global environments.
Applies health promotion principles and values to practice.
Demonstrates beginning leadership skills and advocates for health outcomes
across diverse, dynamic family/community contexts, teams and relationships.
Is able to assess populations through performing needs assessment to develop a
community profile.
Designs health promotion initiatives and contributes to evaluation of
programmes.
Diploma in Health Promotion, 2013 Information Sheet. Final June 2013.
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Recognises the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by upholding its articles and
principles within their health promotion practice.
Practices health promotion based on current research and evidence informed
practice.
Understands the determinants of health and works towards the reduction in
inequity of health.
Contributes to the achievement of social justice as it relates to the health of
families/whanau/kainga/aiga, communities and populations through partnership,
empowerment, advocacy and socio-political involvement.
Demonstrates the ability to develop effective relationships across sectors.
What are the credits for this course?
120 credits. Each course is 15 credits and the Practicum is worth 30 credits.
What are the entry requirements for the Diploma?
NCEA L2 English 8 credits or equivalent qualification
OR
Successful completion of the MIT Certificate in Community Health Work (Level 4), or
equivalent programme
OR
Successful completion of the MIT Certificate in Pacific Community Health Work (Level 4),
or equivalent programme
AND
Have English language competence to undertake this programme. An applicant whose
first language is not English, or who comes from a country where the general language of
instruction in schools is other than English, shall produce evidence to the Entry
Committee of having passed the Academic IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 (with no one
score lower than 6.0) or equivalent.
AND
Make confidential disclosure of criminal convictions.
Note: A criminal record will not automatically exclude an applicant from entry to the
programme.
AND
Be able to demonstrate that they:
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Are motivated to work in the industry.
Diploma in Health Promotion, 2013 Information Sheet. Final June 2013.
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Have computer skills (see next section for requirements)
International Students will not be eligible for this Programme.
Will I learn about how to counsel individuals on healthy lifestyles?
No, Health Promotion is a population health approach therefore not aimed at individuals
as such. Health promotion is in the area of prevention therefore you will not learn how to
look after clients; you learn how to support communities to make improvements within
the environments that they live, work, play and pray in. You will learn about the effects of
social conditions on people’s health and wellbeing and how to support them to gain
control over these factors. You will learn about the most effective approaches for
achieving change.
What date does the Diploma start?
Course 1 starts August 5th, 2013. Course 2 will end December 6th, 2013.
There is a 2 week break between Course 1 and 2 which are each 8 weeks long.
When do I need to have my application in by?
As soon as possible, places are limited and applicants will be selected in order of
successful application.
Is this Diploma taught in class at MIT or on-line?
This is an on-line Diploma. Short on-site block courses will be available for some of the
content. Dates to be advised.
What sort of support is available if I have not studied on-line before?
On-line activities will be user friendly. Support and guidance will be available from the
Lecturers. The first block course will include some hands-on training.
What sort of computer capability do I need?
Any desktop computer or laptop purchased within the last 2 years should support the
online requirements for this programme. If you have any specific queries, please contact
Jane Kelly (Jane.Kelly@manukau.ac.nz).
What level of computer skills do I need to be successful in the Diploma?
As a pre-requisite you need to be able to confidently access and navigate the internet, be
able to word process and manage documents using WORD and send emails including
attachments.
What are the fees?
Course 1 costs $657.00 and Course 2 costs $662.00.
Diploma in Health Promotion, 2013 Information Sheet. Final June 2013.
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Is this course eligible for a Studylink student loan?
Yes it is, however because it is part time you cannot get a student allowance or course
related costs.
Are there any course related costs?
We strongly advise you to purchase a textbook called ‘Promoting Health: The Primary
Health Care Approach, 4th Edition, by Lyn Talbot and Glenda Verrinder.
Imprint: Churchill Livingstone Australia
ISBN: 9780729579247
The cost is approximately $117.79.
There is a Bennett’s Bookshop at MIT, Ground Floor NP Block or Bennett’s have an online store.
Are there any scholarships?
Fee subsidy may be available in 2014 to applicants currently working in a public health
role.
How long is the course?
2 years part-time.
Year 1: Aug- Dec
2013
Courses 1- 2
Year 2: Feb- Oct
2014
Courses 3-6
Year 3: Feb-May
2015
Practicum
Do I have to do the courses in order from 1-6 followed by the Practicum?
Yes, you must pass one course to progress on to the next.
This is a level 6 qualification overall. The courses progress from Level 4 to Level 6 as
followsCourse 1: Level 4
Courses 2-3: Level 5
Course 4 onwards: Level 6
What is the Practicum and do I have to find my own placement?
The practicum is where the student finds an unpaid part time placement with an
organisation who undertake health promotion activity. If the student is already working
in a role then the Practicum component is undertaken at their usual workplace. There are
activities and written assessments to be completed throughout to consolidate the
learning from Courses 1-6.
Diploma in Health Promotion, 2013 Information Sheet. Final June 2013.
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What is the job situation like for health promoters?
Job availability varies and we would recommend you research this in the part of NZ in
which you reside and work. Ideas includeCheck the SEEK and ‘Trade me’ websites and any other places that jobs are advertised in
your area. Look for jobs titles such as ‘Health Promoter’, ‘Community Advisor’,
‘Community Developer’, ’Community Facilitator’.
Find out what local organisations employ health promoters and check their websites for
job opportunities or contact them directly. Examples can be Maori and/or Pacific NGO’s,
the local Regional Public Health Service, other NGO’s such as The National Heart
Foundation or The Cancer Society and Primary Health Organisations. Councils employ
community advisors and developers and these roles are in line with a health promotion
way of working. It might also pay to check what qualifications these organisations are
looking for when assessing job applications.
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Diploma in Health Promotion, 2013 Information Sheet. Final June 2013.