Master of Nursing Science
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Build on your knowledge and skills with advanced study of nursing science. Improve your nursing care in general clinical practice or focus on an area of specialist expertise.
Important note
This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, as you must be a registered nurse with a current practising certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand. If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.
Designed for registered nurses, these programmes will enhance your knowledge and help you to develop new skills, ways of thinking, and professional confidence to integrate theory, practice, and research and improve your patient- and whānau-centred nursing care.
Responsive to current demands of practice, our courses will give you a deeper understanding of pathophysiological concepts, advanced nursing care, and current nursing practice issues.
Develop your ability to perform advanced assessments with patients and increase your clinical reasoning ability. Enhance your skills in locating, analysing, evaluating and applying information and research to your clinical practice.
To study these programmes at the School of Health you must be a registered nurse with a current practising certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand. You also need a Bachelor's degree from a New Zealand tertiary institution.
The level at which you study will depend on your previous academic achievements and chosen professional direction. Most students begin their studies with the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Science and progress to the Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Nursing Science.
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
As a guide, for each 30-point course you take at the School, you should allocate around 10 hours per point for self-directed study, research, assessments, and attendance at schools.
If you’re studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 hours of study time a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing one course per trimester will need to allocate approximately 20 hours of study a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working full time.
Workload
As a guide, for each 30-point course you take at the School, you should allocate around 10 hours per point for self-directed study, research, assessments, and attendance at schools.
Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 hours of study time a week for much of the year.
How you'll study
Through a blend of research, class work, and clinical experience, our academic team will support and work with you throughout your study, both face-to-face and through internet-based technology. You'll study a combination of core and elective courses, with both coursework and thesis-based research options at Master’s level.
Most courses are made up of several ‘block schools’, with each block held over one to four days. They're a mix of lectures, tutorials and small group activities that give you time to study and access to staff for advice and guidance. Some courses are also entirely online.
The schools are a great opportunity for you to network with your peers and other health care experts—to share ideas and strategies for learning, identify areas for change and assess your progress.
Study while you work
Our part-time programme options make it easy for you to learn while you're working. We'll help you integrate academic life with work and family through our flexible delivery models that allow you to learn at home or on campus.
The distance component supported by the University's online learning environment, Nuku, forms part of your courses and supports the development of the content delivered in the School.
Further study
Our programmes are designed with a ‘building block’ approach, as each qualification can lead on to the next one. Both certificates and diplomas are stand-alone qualifications but may also contribute towards a higher degree. Should you decide to proceed further with your study we will support you every step of the way.
Find out about your options for postgraduate nursing study and discover what pathways you can follow during your study.
Qualification options
- Master of Nursing Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science
- Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Science
Master of Nursing Science
The Master of Nursing Science is made up of two parts. In Part 1, you’ll gain an understanding of applied pathophysiology and develop advanced assessment and clinical reasoning skills. You’ll complete two further courses from an approved range, in an area of specialist practice or other focus of your choice.
After completing Part 1 and with the permission of the head of school, you can begin Part 2 with either a coursework or research focus.
If you choose to focus on coursework, you’ll complete a research review, practice project and further taught courses.
If you choose to focus on coursework, you’ll complete a research review, practice project, and further taught courses applicable to your specific area of practice.
Nurse prescribing and nurse practitioner pathways
There are also two optional pathways within the Nursing Science programme: the nurse prescribing pathway or the nurse practitioner pathway.
Nurse prescribing pathway
The nurse prescribing pathway gives you the skill set needed for a prescribing role in your practice. You’ll take a set of four core courses including clinical pharmacology and conclude with a Nurse Prescribing practicum (HLTH 543) which will help you prepare for the Nursing Council of New Zealand registration process.
The entry requirement into HLTH 543 is at least a B grade for all prerequisite courses.
The Nursing Council of New Zealand requires that the nurse:
- be a registered nurse with a current NCNZ practicing certificate
- have at least three years’ equivalent full-time practice in the clinical area intending to prescribe in, with one year of this in New Zealand
- work within a multi-disciplinary team
- have the support of a clinical mentor who is a designated authorised prescriber and has experience mentoring
- have the support from their employer to complete this course and support for ongoing professional development
- identify a clinical area of practice and have up-to-date clinical knowledge relevant to this area of practice.
See the NCNZ website or contact the programme director for more information.
Nurse practitioner pathway
The nurse practitioner pathway has a distinctive structure within the Master of Nursing Science and gives you the knowledge and skills of an advanced health professional.
You will need to complete six core courses and two pre-approved elective courses. Your elective courses must support your development as a mātanga tapuhi (nurse practitioner) and need to be approved by the programme director.
At least a B grade for all prerequisite courses is required in order to progress to the Nurse Practitioner Practicum (HLTH 544).
See the NCNZ website or contact the programme director for further information.
The Master of Nursing Science qualification meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand stipulated requirements for Nurse Practitioners.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree and registered nurse with a current practising certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
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.