Master of Health Sciences
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
240
Overview
Master of Health Sciences
Introduction
UC's Health Sciences qualifications give health professionals, non-clinical members of the health workforce, and others interested in the health sector or health issues the opportunity to examine critically a range of significant issues in health sciences, and where relevant to improve their professional practice.
The Master of Health Sciences allows you to put together a postgraduate programme of study across health-related disciplines, such as the functioning of the health system, from the management of health information, to health in communities. The increasing focus on prevention and lifestyle change provides enormous potential for a refocusing of health strategies and allied areas such as education, sport and recreation, and local government.
This gives you considerable flexibility, and the opportunity to plan a programme to suit your interests, current employment, or career goals, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary postgraduate study for students already working in health or related services who wish to extend their knowledge and skills, or recent graduates seeking employment in these sectors.
The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) is a research-inclusive qualification worth 240 points. You will be supervised by some world-leading researchers in Te Kura Mātai Hauora | School of Health Sciences.
You may either follow a general programme, or focus on a specialisation and receive your qualification endorsed in one of several areas:
- Environment and Health
- Health and Community
- Health Behaviour Change
- Health Information Management
- Health Leadership and Management
- Nursing
- Palliative Care
UC also offers a coursework-only (180-point) Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice.
Master of Health Sciences
Entry requirements
To enrol in the MHealSc, you must have completed either a relevant bachelor's degree, an appropriate health professional qualification, or the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or equivalent) with at least a B Grade Point Average.
Students with a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or equivalent) can complete Part II only (a full year of research – 120 points – in a pre-approved topic is recommended, although other options may be available).
One or more courses in this degree may also require vaccinations. Check each course page for more details.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
The Nursing endorsement has particular entry requirements - find out more information on the Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Nursing.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Health Sciences or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of Health Sciences
How do I plan my degree?
The MHealSc contains two parts:
- Part I of the Master of Health Sciences degree is equivalent to the one-year full-time Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences qualification
- Part II of the Master of Health Sciences 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.
The MHealSc takes at least 2 years full-time; up to 4 years part-time.
The MHealSc endorsed in Nursing has a February-only start. To be eligible to apply for registration as a nurse, you will need to complete your studies within the timeframe stipulated by Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand. See more information on the Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Nursing.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Health Sciences.
Domestic students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $9,525 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $10,097 per 120 points
International students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $84,400 per 240 points ($42,200 per 120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $87,600 per 240 points ($43,800 per 120 points)
Master of Health Sciences
Subjects and courses
You may study towards the MHealSc unendorsed, or may choose from the following endorsement options:
- Environment and Health
- Health and Community
- Health Behaviour Change
- Health Information Management
- Health Leadership and Management
- Nursing
- Palliative Care
For full details and courses, see the Regulations for the Master of Health Sciences.
Master of Health Sciences
Further study
UC offers a Doctor of Health Sciences and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences.
Master of Health Sciences
Career opportunities
Many graduates continue to work within their health profession while others work in health-related fields, the social services, or local or central government.
Students in the Nursing endorsement will be eligible to apply for registration with Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
