Program Overview

Master of Health Sciences

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) is a research-inclusive qualification worth 240 points. You will be supervised by some world-leading researchers in Te Kura Mtai Hauora | School of Health Sciences.

Introduction

UC's Health Sciences qualifications give health professionals, non-clinical members of the health workforce, and others interested in the health sector or health issues the opportunity to examine critically a range of significant issues in health sciences, and where relevant to improve their professional practice.

Degree Structure

The MHealSc contains two parts:

• Part I of the Master of Health Sciences degree is equivalent to the one-year full-time Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences qualification
• Part II of the Master of Health Sciences involves the production of an independent thesis, whether it's the production of a thesis only or the completion of a combination of papers and a shorter thesis.

Duration

The MHealSc takes at least 2 years full-time; up to 4 years part-time.

Endorsements

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
• Nursing
• Palliative Care

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the MHealSc, you must have completed either a relevant bachelor's degree, an appropriate health professional qualification, or the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or equivalent) with at least a B Grade Point Average.

Subjects and Courses

You may study towards the MHealSc 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
• Nursing
• Palliative Care

Fees

Domestic students

2025 tuition fee estimate: $10,097 per 120 points
2026 tuition fee estimate: $10,703 per 120 points

International students

2025 tuition fee estimate: $87,600 (240 points) ($43,800 per 120 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $90,600 (240 points) ($45,300 per 120 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $95,200 (240 points) ($47,600 per 120 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

Many graduates continue to work within their health profession while others work in health-related fields, the social services, or local or central government.

• Students in the Nursing endorsement will be eligible to apply for registration with Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand.