Master of Health Sciences
MHealSc
Duration
24 months full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
24 months full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
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. Students are supervised by some world-leading researchers in the School of Health Sciences.
Students may either follow a general programme, or focus on a specialisation and receive their qualification endorsed in one of several areas:
- Environment and Health
- Health and Community
- Health Behaviour Change
- Health Information Management
- Nursing
- Palliative Care
UC also offers a coursework-only (180-point) Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice.
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from a New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
You must have completed a relevant bachelor's degree or appropriate health professional qualification or the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or equivalent) with at least a B 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).
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. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
Nursing students should check the Nursing page for instructions on how to apply.
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 24 months full-time; up to 48 months part-time. Part II only: 12 months full-time; up to 24 months part-time.
Information on each endorsement and the unendorsed pathway is available on the College of Education, Health and Human Development website to help you plan your degree.
Students 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
- Palliative Care
- Nursing - Nursing students complete the same courses as the Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice (Nursing) and Bachelor of Nursing joint initiative between the University of Canterbury and Ara, as well as HLTH 695, a 60 point dissertation. The Nursing endorsement is a February start only.
More information on each endorsement is available on the College of Education, Health and Human Development website.
For the up-to-date schedule of courses for each endorsement, see the Regulations for the Master of Health Sciences.
UC offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences.
Many graduates continue to work within their health profession while others work in health-related fields, the social services, or local or central government.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the 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) |
| 2019 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $16,059 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $73,200 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Health Sciences.
For study planning help contact the School of Heath Sciences or the College of Education, Health and Human Development:
College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3333
Email educationadvice@canterbury.ac.nz