Master of Spatial Analysis for Public Health
MSAPH
Duration
12–18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
12–18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Spatial Analysis for Public Health (MSAPH) combines expertise on public health issues with GIS technologies. Spatial health data is fundamental to assess hazards from environmental exposure, and the impact of health intervention towards the wellbeing of communities.
Geospatial analysts can use spatial data to determine important health demographics such as disease causation and spread prevention, disaster risk factors, genetic disease likelihood, physical and mental behavioural trends, and economic affect. These issues are on the rise and experts are needed globally.
- The only programme of its kind in Australasia.
- UC is ranked first in Aotearoa New Zealand for research in Public Health (Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission 2018 PBRF assessment).
- UC is ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
- UC hosts Te Tai Whenua o te Hauora | GeoHealth Laboratory, and UC has extensive research strengths and strategic partnerships in the field of geospatial technology, such as Toi Hangarau | Geospatial Research Institute.
- Scholarships for students in this Master’s will be available through Te Tai Whenua o te Hauora | GeoHealth Laboratory and Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health. Please contact malcolm.campbell@canterbury.ac.nz for further information.
- Geospatial science, particularly from a public health focus, is recognised on Immigration NZ’s current Long-Term Skill Shortage List.
Students should have achieved at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses in their undergraduate degree, and have some basic previous experience in GIS and statistics.
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 Spatial Analysis for Public Health 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.
The MSAPH contains 180 points of coursework, including a 60-point community project.
The Master’s can be completed in 12–18 months full-time, and 2–3 years part-time.
The MSAPH includes seven compulsory courses, and a project over the summer at a workplace or with direct relevance to a community.
Compulsory courses
Project
- GEOG 694 Community or Workplace Based Project (60 points)
Students may go onto Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in a large variety of related subjects, for example Geography.
Graduates with geospatial science and health analytical skills will find themselves well-suited to work as spatial analysts, health policy makers, GIS software developers, environmental health officers, statisticians, and administrators in health research groups, DHBs, health ministries, and other public health sector organisations.
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) |
| 2020 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $12,648 |
| 2021 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $12,787 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $59,250 |
| 2022 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $60,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Spatial Analysis for Public Health.
For study planning help, contact the College of Science:
Te Rāngai Pūtaiao | College of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4141
Email collegeofscience@canterbury.ac.nz