Our qualifications give health professionals, members of the health workforce, and others interested in the health sector the opportunity to examine a range of issues in health sciences, and where relevant to improve their professional practice.
Our postgraduate programmes offer flexibility, with courses offered through a range of delivery methods with block courses, campus and/or distance options available. Both part and full time pathways are available.
Postgraduate Certificate
This Certificate gives health professionals, non-clinical members of the health workforce, and others interested in the health sector the chance to critically examine a range of significant issues in health sciences, and where relevant to improve their professional practice.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences is a suitable introduction to the health science sector. It can also be a pathway to other postgraduate qualifications at UC.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences 60-point pathway consists of two courses from the Master of Health Sciences Schedule of Courses 2024.
Postgraduate Diploma
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences is an advanced, interdisciplinary programme. Students may either follow a general course of study, or focus on a specialisation and follow an endorsed pathway.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences 120-point unendorsed pathway consists of four courses from the Master of Health Sciences Schedule of Courses 2024
The endorsed pathway gives you the option to choose from seven specialist endorsements. Environment and Health, Health and Community, Health Behaviour Change, Health Information Management, Nursing, Palliative Care. Each specialist endorsement has different compulsory and optional courses, check out the endorsement page for more information and how to plan your endorsed pathway.
Download the full list of courses from the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences. Courses are offered through a range of delivery methods with block courses, evening classes, on campus and/or distance available. Please refer to individual course webpages for further details regarding course content, dates, workshops and other attendance requirements.
Master of Health Sciences
We offer the choice of a 240 point thesis and coursework pathway Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) , or a 180 point coursework based Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice (MHealScProfPr) and either an endorsed or unendorsed pathway. The unendorsed pathway gives you the option to tailor your MHsc to your preference from the schedule of courses. The endorsed pathway gives you the option to choose from a range of specialist endorsements. Taha Hinengaro Health and Wellbeing Practice, Environment and Health, Health and Community, Health Behaviour Change, Health Information Management, Nursing, Health Leadership and Mangement and Palliative Care.
The MHealSc 240 thesis pathway contains two parts: Part 1 is equivalent to the one-year full-time Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences qualification. Part 2 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. Please note students must complete 30 points of research methods prior to enrolment in thesis. The Master of Health Sciences can be completed unendorsed (see Part 1 & 2 diagram below) or endorsed. For the endorsed pathways see our endorsements page, each endorsement has compulsory and recommended courses.
Part 1 - Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
120 points from the Master of Health Sciences Schedule of Courses 2024.
Part 2 - Thesis
Please note students enrolling in part 2 need to obtain 30 points of research methods before enrolling in HLTH697 or HLTH690, GPA of B or above, and to have an agreed supervisor and approved topic and completed the Masters Thesis Enrolment application form.
The Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice (MHealScProfPr) is a 180-point coursework-based master's, and can be completed with or without an endorsement. HLTH 463 and HLTH 464 are compulsory. Remaining points should be chosen from the Master of Health Sciences Schedule of Courses 2024. The unendorsed pathway (see diagram below) for the endorsed pathway see our endorsement page, each endorsement have compulsory and recommended courses.
Postgraduate Health Sciences Unendorsed Pathway
Both the Master of Health Sciences and the Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice can be completed without an endorsement giving you the flexibility to design your own study pathway. Choose from the diverse range of courses from the Master of Health Sciences Schedule of Courses 2024.
Master of Health Sciences 240-point, thesis pathway comprises: Part 1 (120 points) consisting of 90 points from the Master of Health Sciences schedule of courses and a 30-point research methods course, preferably HLTH 464 Research Approaches for Health. This is required prior to completing part two HLTH 690 MHealSc Thesis (120 points).
Part 1
120 points from the Master of Health Sciences Schedule of Courses 2024.
Part 2 - Thesis
Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice 180-point coursework pathway, two compulsory courses HLTH 463 and HLTH 464. Remaining points should be chosen from the Master of Health Sciences schedule of courses.
The endorsed pathway gives you the option to choose from seven specialist endorsements: Environment and Health, Health and Community, Health Behaviour Change, Health Information Management, and Palliative Care. Each specialist endorsement has different compulsory and optional courses, check out the endorsement page for more information and how to plan your endorsed pathway.
To be eligible for these programmes you must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in a health related discipline, and meet the University of Canterbury admission requirements. Students are also expected to have achieved a B Grade Point Average or better through their qualifying programme of study.
You may be permitted to enter the MHealSc at Part II if you have been awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or equivalent appropriate qualification at a B average. This would require the completion of 120 points. A full year of research (120 points) in a pre-approved topic is recommended although other options may be available in certain circumstances. Coursework is normally completed prior to thesis or dissertation enrolment. Students should either complete HLTH690 (120 points) or HLTH697 (90 points), except those enrolled in the Nursing endorsement, who should complete HLTH695 (60 points). Students applying for Part II of the Masters of Health Sciences (240 points) must have completed a research methods course and have an approved concept plan and supervisor prior to applying. For more information email Kate Reid, Health Sciences Postgraduate Coordinator - kate.reid@canterbury.ac.nz.
Transfer of credit
It may be possible to transfer credit from courses completed through other NZ tertiary institutions towards your Postgraduate Diploma or Masters Degree. Students are encouraged, if possible, to apply for credit in advance.
More information
If you have any queries regarding your eligibility, please contact a Student Advisor in the Faculty of Health.
For more information and full requirements see the regulations Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc - 240 points) Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice (MHealScProfPr - 180 points)
Check out the Master of Health Sciences Schedule of Courses 2022. Courses are offered through a range of delivery methods with block courses, evening classes, on campus and/or distance available. Click on the course code in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule of Courses 2022 and it will take you to the offerings for each course. Our team of Student Advisors, can support you with planning your studies.
If you are a current health practitioner in New Zealand you may be entitled to Health Workforce NZ Funding for these courses. Please contact your local DHB for application details.
There are various ways to fund your MHealSc, check out the various scholarships
Students are advised that enrolment in some courses and access to health care agencies for clinical, research or work integrated learning requires compliance with Ministry of Health and agency requirements regarding vaccination and / or health screening. As these requirements are subject to change, updates and information will be provided on or during enrolment in specific courses.
