Program Overview

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Master of Health Science – MHlthSc

The Master of Health Science offers advanced studies in a specialized focus subject, providing an opportunity to pursue research in health sciences. This qualification is suitable for individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree with a health focus, such as a Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Nursing, or Bachelor of Sport and Exercise.

Type of Qualification

• Master's degree
• Postgraduate study
• NZQF level 9

Time to Complete

• 1 year 6 months full-time (180 credits)
• Part-time available

International Students

• Not open to international students

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Master of Health Science – MHlthSc

Through advanced studies in a specialized focus subject, the Master of Health Science offers an opportunity to pursue research in health sciences. This qualification is suitable for individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree with a health focus.

A MHlthSc is a Good Fit if You:

• Are passionate about health sciences and building on your knowledge at a higher level
• Strive to make a major contribution to people's health and wellbeing
• Are keen to do research in your area of health interest
• Have a bachelor's degree in a relevant health-related area

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific Requirements

To enter the Master of Health Science, you will have been awarded or qualified for:

• A relevant health-related bachelor's degree with a minimum B- grade average over the 200/300 level courses
• A relevant health-related bachelor's degree and have extensive professional experience
• A Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant health-related discipline
• The degree of Bachelor of Health Science with Honours

Specific Subject Requirements for Nursing and Psychology Subjects

• To enter the Master of Health Science (Nursing) qualification, you will be a registered nurse with a practicing certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand
• To enter the Master of Health Science (Psychology) subject, you will have been awarded or qualified for:
  • A relevant health-related Bachelor's degree having achieved at least a B grade average in the 300-level courses
  • A relevant health-related Bachelor's degree and have extensive relevant professional experience
  • A Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant health-related discipline or the Bachelor of Health Science with Honours, having achieved at least a B+ grade average

English Language Requirements

To study this qualification, you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions, review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations or contact us.

Structure of the Master of Health Science

The Master of Health Science is a parts-based qualification. You must complete the first part before moving to the second. You can choose a research pathway or a professional pathway (most subjects).

Professional Pathway

For the professional pathway, progression from Part One to Part Two requires a minimum B- grade in the Part One Core course. If you are studying Psychology, you must achieve a B grade average in Part One courses.

Research Pathway

For the research pathway, progression from Part One to Part Two requires a minimum B grade in the Part One Core course. If you are studying Psychology, you must achieve a B+ grade average in Part One courses.

Courses and Specialisations

Key Terms

• Courses: Each qualification has its own specific set of courses
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in

Credit Summary

• 180 credits
• Professional Pathway:
  • Part One compulsory course: 30 credits
  • Part One subject courses: 90 credits
  • Part Two research: 60 credits
• Research Pathway:
  • Part One compulsory course: 30 credits
  • Part One subject courses: 30-60 credits
  • Part Two research courses: 90-120 credits

Subjects

A subject is compulsory. Subjects require 150 credits, except for Psychology, which requires 165 credits.

• Māori Health
• Nursing
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Psychology
• Sport and Exercise
• Without Specialisation

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $8,943 – $11,645
• International students: Not applicable

Course Fees

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees. The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

• ANZMES research funding opportunities
• Cat Pausé Postgraduate Scholarship
• Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
• Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship
• The HOPE Foundation for Research on Ageing Scholarship

Careers and Job Opportunities

This qualification can lead to exciting and rewarding careers in various fields, including:

• Careers in quality assurance
• Clinical exercise prescription consultant
• Consultancy and advisory positions
• Corporate health and fitness
• Fitness centres
• Health promotion
• Iwi authorities
• Medical centres and hospitals
• Prison service
• Research
• Sports teams and national sporting bodies
• Track for further advanced study
• Health and safety managers
• WorkSafe New Zealand and ACC employees
• Occupational health and safety consultants
• Occupational health nurses
• Environmental health, air pollution, and noise control specialists
• Occupational hygienists
• Human resource managers and advisors
• Research assistant
• Research associate
• Māori providers
• Māori Health Authority
• Health leadership

What Our Students Say

"My Bachelor of Health Science provided the foundation of theoretical knowledge for my master's degree. It's essential to me to incorporate Māori health courses into my psychology study, and the support from the college to do just that has never been a barrier."

Tania Kahika-Foote

Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau ā Apanui

Master of Health Science (Psychology)