Master of Health Sciences

    Master of Health Sciences

    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    NZD 50,291 / Year
    Next IntakeJuly 25, 2026
    Master of Health Sciences

    About

    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:

    UC also offers a coursework-only (180-point) Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    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.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 90

    English Program Requirements

    English language courses offered in partnership with CCEL will prepare you for study at Foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degree level. The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses offered by CCEL are designed to provide you with the specific language and study skills you will need to succeed in academic study.

    Further details and application form are available from the CCEL site.

    Career

    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:

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    50,291 / year
    Master of Health Sciences
    University of Canterbury
    University of Canterbury
    New Zealand

    New Zealand, Christchurch

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