Programme details

Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) program provides postgraduate education in various health disciplines and offers the opportunity for students to gain research experience through a thesis, dissertation, or project in their chosen area of specializa

Course description

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) program consists of 120 points, which can be fulfilled in various ways: a 120-point thesis, a combination of a 60-point dissertation and 60 points of additional coursework, or a 30-point research project along with 90 points of coursework.

A mandatory component of the Master of Health Sciences is a 30-point research methods paper, which can be taken as a general “unendorsed” option or as an “endorsed” option from the available specializations.

Since each “endorsed” option has specific requirements, it is essential to seek course advice before applying.

Typically, students are expected to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) and/or a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) before starting the Master of Health Sciences program. Admission to the master’s program usually requires students to have achieved a B average in their Postgraduate Diploma studies.

Specialisations

Aviation Medicine
Bioethics
Health Management
Health Sciences
Human Nutrition
Mental Health
Musculoskeletal Management
Nursing
Nursing (Clinical)
Occupational Health
Occupational Medicine
Pain and Pain Management
Rehabilitation

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Graduates with a Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) have diverse career prospects in the health sector. They can pursue roles such as health policy advisor, health services manager, clinical research coordinator, public health consultant, epidemiologist, healthcare quality assurance manager, health promotion specialist, community health program manager, medical writer, and health educator. Additionally, opportunities exist in academia as university lecturers or researchers, as well as in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private healthcare companies.

Entry requirements

Admission to the program requires the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences). Generally, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a graduate in a health-related field or hold an appropriate health professional qualification that requires at least three years of full-time tertiary study.
2. Have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or an equivalent qualification with an average grade of B or higher.
3. Have completed 30 points of research methods at NZQF Level 8 with a grade (or average grade, if more than one paper is used) of B+ or higher.
4. Provide evidence of capability for advanced academic study.

For applicants with non-standard research methods requirements (such as those pursuing the Bioethics endorsement, requiring a NZQF Level 9 research methods paper in the Master’s program, or those granted an exemption from a research methods requirement), the following criteria apply:

1. Be a graduate in a health-related field or hold an appropriate health professional qualification that requires at least three years of full-time tertiary study.
2. Have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or an equivalent qualification with an average grade of B+ or higher.
3. Provide evidence of capability for advanced academic study.