Master of Health Research
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Broaden your knowledge with high-level research into an area of health care that interests you.
Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to delve deeper into your discipline with the School of Health. If you're looking at developing a career in health research, this Master's research programme is for you.
Choose a research project in a health-related discipline that fits with the research expertise and profile of the School. The Master of Health Research can also be awarded with a specialisation in Nursing or Midwifery. You'll focus on the practice of research and theory development in relation to health and wellbeing, health care or health outcomes. Your thesis report should demonstrate the generation and synthesis of knowledge and make a meaningful scholarly contribution to your area of interest.
To qualify for entry you'll need a Bachelor's degree with Honours or postgraduate qualification in a health-related discipline and significant relevant professional experience.
If you are applying to enrol in a specialisation (Nursing or Midwifery), you will also need professional registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand or Midwifery Council of New Zealand.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Workload
If you're studying full time, you can expect a workload of about 40 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students will need to do around 20 hours of study a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working full time.
Completion usually takes a year through full-time study and up to two years through part-time study.
Workload
Studying full time, you can expect a workload of about 40 hours a week for much of the year.
How you’ll study
You’ll receive research guidance from an academic supervisor while you plan and implement your study. Our supervisors have expertise in a range of topic areas and research methods and they’ll support you throughout your studies.
Meet and network with other Master’s and PhD students at our twice-yearly ‘research schools’. These are unique opportunities for you to discuss research issues and work with your peers and academic staff—as well as national and international visiting academics.
Study while you work
We'll make it easy for you to learn while you're working, helping you integrate academic life with work and family through our flexible delivery models that allow you to learn at home or on campus.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree with Honours or postgraduate qualification in a health-related discipline, and significant relevant professional experience.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.