Program Overview

Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice

The Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice is a 180-point, professionally focused, coursework-based master's degree. This degree will appeal to those already employed in the health sector or those wishing to enter health-related employment, with students examining a range of significant issues in health sciences, and looking to improve their professional practice as a result.

Introduction

You will be taught by some world-leading researchers in Te Kura Mtai Hauora | School of Health Sciences. You may either follow a general programme, or focus on a specialisation and receive your qualification endorsed in one of several areas:

• Environment and Health
• Health and Community
• Health Behaviour Change
• Health Information Management
• Health Leadership and Management
• Palliative Care

Entry Requirements

There are a few pathways for entry available:

• A previous relevant bachelor's degree, or appropriate health professional qualification, with good grades (normally a B Grade Point Average or better), and approval to enrol. Note: some conditions may be waived if you already have practical or professional experience in the field.
• This Master's is an ideal extension for those who have studied or are currently studying the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences or Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences. One or more courses in this degree may also require vaccinations. Check each course page for more details. If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements.

Degree Structure

The Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice is a 180-point coursework-based master's, and can be completed with or without an endorsement. Completing the MHealScProfPr in 18 months is usual for full-time students. Part-time study is possible up to 4 years. Information on each endorsement and the unendorsed pathway is available to help you plan your degree.

Subjects and Courses

You may study towards the degree unendorsed, or may choose from the following endorsement options:

• Environment and Health
• Health and Community
• Health Behaviour Change
• Health Information Management
• Health Leadership and Management
• Palliative Care

Fees

Domestic students

2025 tuition fee estimate: $15,146 (180 points) ($10,097 per 120 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $16,055 (180 points) ($10,703 per 120 points)

International students

2025 tuition fee estimate: $65,700 (180 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $67,950 (180 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $71,400 (180 points)

Student Services Levy (SSL)

2025 SSL: $9.72 per point ($1,166.40 per 120 points)
2026 SSL: $10.30 per point ($1,236.00 per 120 points)

Further Study

UC offers a Doctor of Health Sciences and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences.

Career Opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits, such as specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.