Course details

Master of Health Science
NZQF Level 9

About the course

If you have a degree in nursing or a health-related area and you’d like to extend your knowledge and skills for advanced practice in the health sector, this programme will build on your specialist knowledge.

The programme is tailored for health managers and health practitioners, specifically registered nurses and other health professionals working for DHBs, PHOs, the fitness industry and sports organisations, as well as social workers, community care workers and allied health practitioners.

You will expand your knowledge within an inter-disciplinary learning environment and develop skills in critical analysis, constructive synthesis, and advanced practice and research within your chosen discipline area.

There are two pathway options for achieving this qualification:

Scholarly Project option
This option requires you to complete six Level 8 courses of your choosing (totalling 180 credits) within three years full time or 6 years part time, plus two compulsory Level 9 courses (totalling 60 credits) which includes a scholarly project.

Thesis option
This option requires you to complete four Level 8 courses of your choosing (totalling 120 credits) within three years full time or 6 years part time, plus two compulsory Level 9 courses (totalling 120 credits) which includes a thesis.

Both options provide the opportunity to critically examine philosophical, methodological and ethical issues and applying these to undertake research.

Please note:
This programme includes compulsory two-day onsite workshops at the City campus for some courses. Not all courses are offered in both semesters. Some courses are prerequisites for others.

Please contact the department before enrolling. Email [email protected]

This qualification will enable you to build on your specialist knowledge or progress to management positions within the health sector. It also provides an entry into health teaching in your area of practice.

About the provider

Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level. 

Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.

All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.

It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.

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