Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice
MHealScProfPr
Duration
18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Health Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Health Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice is a 180-point, professionally focused, coursework-based master's degree. This degree will appeal to those already employed in the health sector or those wishing to enter health-related employment, with students examining a range of significant issues in health sciences, and looking to improve their professional practice as a result.
You will be taught 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 research-inclusive (240-point) Master of Health Sciences.
There are a few pathways for entry available:
- A previous relevant bachelor's degree, or appropriate health professional qualification, with good grades (normally a B Grade Point Average or better), and approval to enrol. Note: some conditions may be waived if you already have practical or professional experience in the field.
- This Master's is an ideal extension for those who have studied or are currently studying the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences or Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences.
- Nursing and Health Sciences – UC offers a unique qualification combination in conjunction with Ara Institute of Canterbury (Ara) allowing graduates to gain two qualifications: a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice, in just two years. See Te Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Health website for more details.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice or use the admission requirements checker.
Vaccines required
The government has announced new vaccination requirements for the health and education sectors. This qualification requires students to undertake placements in the community, including in schools/kura, early childhood centres, or health/medical facilities.
For this qualification, you will be required to be vaccinated in line with the NZ Government regulations, and supply evidence of your vaccination status.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
Nursing endorsement students should check the Nursing webpage for instructions on how to apply.
The Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice is a 180-point coursework-based master's, and can be completed with or without an endorsement.
Completing the MHealScProfPr in 18 months is usual for full-time students. Part-time study is possible up to 4 years.
If completing the Bachelor of Nursing from Ara consecutively with the MHealScProfPr, you will complete your MHealScProfPr in 18 months and then study full-time at Ara for an additional 6 months. This pathway has a February-only start.
Information on each endorsement and the unendorsed pathway is available on Te Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Health website to help you plan your degree.
You may study towards the degree 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 Professional Practice.
UC offers a Doctor of Health Sciences and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- 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 you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2023 | 180 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $13,362 |
| 2022 | 180 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $13,005 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2022 | 180 | $40,500 | $35,217 | |
| 2023 | 180 | $43,200 | $37,565 |
Contact us
See more information about our Health Sciences programmes.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice.
For study planning help, contact our Student Advisor team.
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Health.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).