About the course

Build on your Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science to become a leader in clinical research into the human immune system.

No intake for 2026

The Master of Clinical Immunology programme is no longer accepting new students.

Contact our Future Student Advisers to discuss an alternative programme of study.

Help improve human health. Prepare for a career researching and developing new clinical treatments such as vaccines and drug therapies, or take your skills into health policy or management.

You'll study advanced immunological theory and techniques and train in clinical trial design and practice. Develop your oral and written communication skills while you study and produce a research paper intended for publication.

The Master of Clinical Immunology (MClinIm) is taught in collaboration with the highly regarded Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, the largest private medical research institute in New Zealand. You'll also learn from practising clinicians from the local district health boards, the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand and other research institutions.

You'll complete your MClinIm in one calendar year over three trimesters.

Get the postgraduate handbook

Fill in the form to find out more about your study options in our Wellington Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Handbook.

Download the handbook

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.

Workplace and research experience

You can choose to complete either your own research project or a work experience practicum. Both will give you the opportunity to be placed in a clinical or research environment to gain relevant experience. You might work or carry out research in a hospital, research institute or other medical organisation.

You'll graduate with the skills you need to assess, analyse and undertake clinical research in immunology in real-world settings.

What you'll study

In your first trimester you'll complete three core courses introducing you to clinical research, experimental trial design and clinical immunology. In the second trimester you'll study two more core courses and do your research project or practicum, or choose other elective courses.

If you achieve a B average or better, you'll be able to go on to study the two final courses in your last trimester. These will advance your clinical immunology knowledge and science communication skills, and you'll complete an individually mentored research proposal.

If you successfully complete the first part of the programme but for whatever reason are unable to complete the second, you may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.

Workload

If you are studying full time you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. It is possible to study part time, but you'll need to discuss this with the programme director. Part-time students doing one or two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

Careers

The MClinIm will prepare you for a range of senior roles in health research. You might work in a hospital, private research institute, diagnostic laboratory or pharmaceutical company, or for a government agency involved in health policy or delivery.

Scholarships

There are no specific scholarships for MClinIm students but you can look for general scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

Advance your expertise with PhD study

If you do well in your MClinIm you may be able to continue your studies and complete a PhD.

A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered by the School of Biological Sciences. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics and researchers.

As a PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.

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Entry requirements

Domestic entry requirements

Bachelor's degree in relevant subject.

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

Student support

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.