Program Overview

Master of Health Leadership

The Master of Health Leadership is an innovative qualification for health professionals and graduates of health sciences, public health, commerce, law, and arts degrees. It suits those currently working in health systems or wishing to work in healthcare/life sciences who seek to improve the experiences of patients, the health of communities and populations, and the operations of health services.

Programme Overview

Health leadership is a varied and complex field. Students can study a wide range of topics, from quality in healthcare to health economics, global health, and digital health. Health leadership opens doors to careers such as health management, healthcare quality improvement, and international health management in exciting and challenging fields.

Programme Structure

The Master of Health Leadership can be completed as a 120-point or 180-point taught master's degree, depending on the level of study completed. The programme includes core courses and elective courses to curate learning. Students will also complete a 60-point applied project in health leadership.

• 120-point programme - Full-time Semester One start:
  • HLTHLEAD 701
  • HLTHLEAD 702
  • MAORIHTH 701
  • POPHLTH 705
  • HLTHLEAD 755A/HLTHLEAD 755B
• 180-point programme - Full-time Semester Two start:
  • HLTHLEAD 701
  • HLTHLEAD 702
  • MAORIHTH 701
  • POPHLTH 705
  • POPHLTH 722
  • Elective course
  • Elective course
  • Elective course
  • HLTHLEAD 755A/HLTHLEAD 755B

Entry Requirements

Minimum requirements include:

• For the 120-point programme: a bachelor's (honours) degree or postgraduate diploma with a GPA of 5.0.
• For the 180-point programme: a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 5.0. Further requirements may apply, including relevant practical, professional, or scholarly experience.

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 fees:
  • Domestic students: NZ$11,545.20*
  • International students: NZ$55,214*
• Fees are inclusive of 15% GST but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel, and health insurance, or living costs.
• Scholarships and awards are available.

Key Dates

• Application closing dates:
  • Semester One 2026: 8 December 2025
  • Semester Two 2026: 8 June 2026
• Start dates:
  • Semester One 2026: 2 March
  • Semester Two 2026: 20 July

Career Opportunities

The programme has been developed to meet the demand in health leadership and management in international and domestic markets. Potential careers include:

• Health management
• Healthcare quality improvement
• International health management
• NGOs

Further Study Options

• Master of Health Sciences
• Master of Public Health
• Doctor of Philosophy

The University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.