Program Overview

---

Master of Health Sciences

The Master of Health Sciences provides the opportunity for professionals working in health to advance and expand their knowledge within an interdisciplinary learning environment.

Programme Overview

If you are interested in a career where you can contribute to areas such as health services, health systems, clinical practice, and research, the Master of Health Sciences is the ideal programme for you. The Master of Health Sciences equips you to take on leadership roles in the delivery of health services, systems, or research.

Programme Structure

You can choose between a Taught (120 or 180 points) and a Research Masters (120 points). If you have completed an undergraduate degree, then you would normally enter the 180-point programme. If you have already completed some postgraduate study, then you may be able to enter a 120-point programme.

Taught Masters (120 points)

• Dissertation (60 points) and
• Courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (60 points).

Taught Masters (180 points)

• Courses outlined in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Schedule (120 points) or
• Courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (120 points) and
• Dissertation (60 points).

Research Masters (120 points)

• Thesis (120 points) or
• Research Portfolio (90 points) and
• Core course in advanced clinical optometric research (30 points).

Entry Requirements

Minimum Programme Requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

• Study option: Taught 120 points
  • Grade required: GPA 5.0
  • A Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (or equivalent)
• Study option: Taught 180 points
  • Grade required: GPA 5.0
  • An undergraduate degree
• Study option: Research 120 points
  • Grade required: GPA 5.0
  • A Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (or equivalent)

Further Programme Requirements

You must have completed either:

• a bachelor's Honours degree, or a relevant postgraduate diploma, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher
• a bachelor's degree, and a relevant postgraduate certificate with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have a bachelor's degree and relevant practical, professional, or scholarly experience equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

Fees

2026 Fees

• Domestic students: NZ$10,618.80 $11,545.20
• International students: NZ$55,214

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel, and health insurance, or living costs.

Key Dates

• Application closing dates:
  • Semester One 2026: 8 December 2025
  • Semester Two 2025: 8 June 2026
  • Late Year Semester 2025: 11 November 2025
  • Late Year Semester 2026: 11 November 2026
• Start dates:
  • Semester One 2025: 3 March
  • Semester Two 2025: 21 July
  • Late Year Term 2025: 1 December
  • Semester One 2026: 2 March
  • Semester Two 2026: 20 July
  • Late Year Term 2026: 1 December

Career Opportunities

The MHSc will provide you with specialist skills that will open up opportunities into specific healthcare occupations. Most graduates will continue to work in their health professions, but the MHSc will enable them to pursue leadership in those areas.

Jobs Related to This Programme

• Consultancy and advisory
• Health educator
• Health promotion
• Health services manager
• Quality assurance
• Research

Further Study Options

• Doctor of Philosophy

Student Career Planning Service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.