Program Overview

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Master of Public Health – MPH

The Master of Public Health has practice and research pathways. The Professional Practice Pathway involves coursework and work-integrated learning opportunities. The Research Pathway involves conducting research under the supervision of experienced public health researchers.

Type of qualification

Master's degree

Level of study

Postgraduate study NZQF level 9

Time to complete

2 years full-time (240 credits). Standard due dates apply. Part-time available

Where you can study

Distance and online

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 Public Health – MPH

Gain invaluable skills

With the Master of Public Health, you will be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of the public health research literature. You’ll undertake collaborative research and practice within interdisciplinary and intersectoral environments.

Follow your research interests

The qualification emphasises applied research and practical experience. You will be able to conduct research relevant to your public health work, interests and experiences. You will build on the knowledge gained through your Postgraduate Diploma of Public Health.

Transfer your learning to your workplace

You will learn to reason and act independently as a professional working in public health and contribute to policy development at local and national levels. You’ll engage with public health knowledge through scholarly inquiry and publication and apply your cutting-edge knowledge to solving public health challenges.

You will receive a high-quality, comprehensive education and training in public health. This will benefit you, your employer, and the health of New Zealanders in general.

Further study

If you complete the research pathway you may choose to progress to a PhD.

A MPH is a good fit if you:

• are a professional wanting a solid grounding in public health
• already work in public health and want to further your career
• are looking for professional development.

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 Public Health, you will have:

• been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with a minimum grade average of B-, or equivalent; or
• been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or other relevant discipline, and have relevant professional experience, or equivalent; or
• been awarded or qualified for a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health with a minimum grade average of B-, or equivalent.

Documents you will need to supply to support your application

• copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
• a CV is required if applying on the basis of a bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.

English language requirements

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

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.

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
• contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits for completing postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete them within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate, read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University, including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. To find out more, go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations.

In some cases, the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so it may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications, go to the Massey University Calendar.

Structure of the Master of Public Health

This is a parts-based qualification. That means you need to achieve at a certain level to progress from Part One to Part Two.

For the Master of Public Health, a minimum grade average of B- is required to progress to Part Two.

Courses and specialisations

Key terms

Courses

• Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey. Course code
• Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course , the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study). Credits
• Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification. Specialisations
• Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit summary

• 240 credits
  • Part One compulsory courses – 120 credits
  • Part Two elective courses from the Schedule – 30‑60 credits
  • Part Two praxis or thesis – 60‑90 credits

Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements may be able to complete this degree in 120 or 180 credits.

There are regulations around completing Part One before progressing to Part Two.

Course planning key

Prerequisites

• Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses. Corequisites
• Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses. Restrictions
• Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Part One

Compulsory courses (Choose 120 credits from)

• Course code: Hauora Māori Credits: 30 credits
  • This course provides an overview and analysis of hauora Māori perspectives. Historical and contemporary contexts and challenges are used to discuss Māori approaches in public health, with reference to Māori knowledge and Māori leadership. The course focuses on developing critical consciousness for becoming advocates and champions for Māori health through Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led practice.
• Course code: Foundations of Public Health Credits: 15 credits
  • This course presents the overarching framework, principles and core functions of public health in Aotearoa New Zealand. It utilises a multidisciplinary lens to investigate the key determinants of health status across population groups in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. The course provides the necessary foundation for students to engage in advanced approaches essential for public health practice.
  • Restrictions:
• Course code: Health Systems and Policy Credits: 15 credits
  • This course uses systems thinking approaches to examine and compare the Aotearoa New Zealand health system within the international context, how it is structured and operates, and how this impacts on public health responses. Health policy and public health advocacy is examined as an instrument to enhance the health system and broader responses to major public health challenges.
  • Restrictions:
• Course code: Epidemiology and Biostatistics Credits: 30 credits
  • An exploration of the core principles and practice of epidemiology and biostatistics in assessing and responding to population health need. Students will learn the skills necessary to analyse and interpret data, disseminate information, and critically appraise quantitative literature. The focus of the course is on the application of epidemiology and biostatistics for policy development and decision-making across the health system.
  • Restrictions: and
• Course code: Public Health Practice Credits: 15 credits
  • This course aims to provide students with the conceptual, analytical and strategic planning basis for effective public health practice. The course focuses on the theory and practice of designing, developing, implementing and evaluating practice. It draws upon analysis of determinants, stakeholders, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led and community development approaches, and intervention research.
• Course code: Qualitative and Participatory Research in Public Health Credits: 15 credits
  • This course provides a foundation in qualitative and participatory research methodologies, and the different approaches to knowledge that inform qualitative and participatory research. Students will develop competencies in qualitative and participatory research processes including design, data collection, analysis, dissemination, and critique of existing literature. The course foregrounds social, cultural, political and ethical considerations in the practice of public health research.

Elective courses (Choose no more than 60 credits from)

• Course code: Leadership and Teamwork Credits: 15 credits
  • Applied and experiential study of leading and working in teams, and the interpersonal communication skills required to be successful.
• Course code: Emergency Management Credits: 30 credits
  • An examination of the social, psychological, community and organisational aspects of disaster management in New Zealand. Emphasis is on the development and implementation of an all-hazards, comprehensive and integrated approach to emergency management. Selected readings and case studies will be used to facilitate the development of an effective response to social, psychological, community and organisational issues.
• Course code: Sustainable Development Credits: 30 credits
  • A course concerned with the concept of sustainable development in all its dimensions (economic, social and environmental), focused on the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Conceptual lenses, including Indigenous understandings of sustainability and the sustainable livelihoods framework, are also discussed.
• Course code: Tino Rangatiratanga: Strategic Māori Development Credits: 30 credits
  • Strategies for Māori advancement are examined within a Māori development framework. Barriers to development and the facilitation of positive development are explored using criteria relevant to indigenous self-determination. There is a focus on land, fisheries, social policy, health, Treaty settlements and opportunities for positive development.
• Course code: Pae Ora: Māori Health Advancement Credits: 30 credits
  • Strategies for the advancement of Māori health will be explored with a particular focus on health planning, national Māori health related strategies, health funding, the delivery of health services, and the link between Māori health strategies and positive Māori development.
• Course code: Environmental Health Credits: 30 credits
  • Critical reviews or applied research on advanced topics in Environmental Health.
• Course code: Health Communication Credits: 15 credits
  • This course examines the primary factors that influence the effective communication and adoption of positive health behaviours by individuals and communities. Students will review: micro and macro-level theories of health communication; audience engagement and persuasion; the impact of evolving public attitudes to health knowledge; innovative methods for health communication.
• Course code: Advanced Occupational Health and Safety Credits: 30 credits
  • An examination of current issues in Occupational Safety and Health and issues commonly found in the work environment.

Part Two

Professional Pathway (Choose 60 credits from)

• Course code: Public Health Praxis 1 Credits: 30 credits
  • A capstone practicum in the public health environment involving supervised and team-based work on defined and contemporary public health issues.
• Course code: Public Health Praxis 2 Credits: 30 credits
  • An integrative capstone practicum in the public health environment involving supervised and team-based work on defined complex contemporary public health issues.
  • Prerequisites:
• 60 credits of elective courses from Part One

Research Pathway (Choose 120 credits from)

• Course code: Public Health Praxis 1 Credits: 30 credits
  • A capstone practicum in the public health environment involving supervised and team-based work on defined and contemporary public health issues.
• Course code: Public Health Thesis 90 Pt 1 Credits: 45 credits
  • A supervised and guided independent study designed to lead to a published work.
• Course code: Public Health Thesis 90 Pt 2 Credits: 45 credits
  • A supervised and guided independent study designed to lead to a published work.
  • Corequisites:

Fees and scholarships

2026 tuition fees

• Domestic students: $10,652
• International students: Not applicable

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.

There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

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. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility.

Scholarship and award opportunities

• Cat Pausé Postgraduate Scholarship
• Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
• Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship
• Pacific Health Scholarships
• The HOPE Foundation for Research on Ageing Scholarship

Careers and job opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Public Health contribute to public health policy development at local and national levels, contribute to public health knowledge through scholarly inquiry and publication, and demonstrate competence in planning and conducting research in public health.

Our graduates have found work in the health sector and broader government and community sectors. These include:

• health promotion
• health protection
• policy advisors and analysts in the government sector
• health sector analysts in public health units and non-government organisations
• programme coordinators and evaluators
• upskilling for health professionals
• health community workers
• public health research and teaching.

Many of our graduates go on to an academic career in teaching and research.

What our students say

“As a full-time employed student, I can work through Massey's excellent online programme but still have access to outstanding resources, lecturers and my peer group. Almost everything is applicable to my work – I can practice as I go. Massey was an easy choice – a flexible, high standard education.”

Adrian Pretorius

Master of Public Health

“My degree was a pathway into hauora Māori after a career in animal health and farming. My thesis is about Tāne ora, the wellbeing of Māori men. If strategy, policy and high-level problem solving in health and the social sector is up your ally, the MPH would be a great qualification to consider.”

Marcus Tamaira

Ngāti Tūwharetoa

Master of Public Health

Accreditations

APHEA Validated Curriculum

The Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) has validated Massey's Master of Public Health as adhering to international standards for a modern comprehensive degree in public health.

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