About the course

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) degree allows study at a postgraduate level across a range of health disciplines, and research experience (thesis, dissertation or project) in the student's area of specialisation.

Normally before embarking upon study within the Master of Health Sciences programme, students would first complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) and/or a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc). Students are normally required to obtain a B average over their Postgraduate Diploma (and including a B+ in an appropriate research methods paper) in order to be admitted to Masters study.

Information for new applicants

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) comprises 120 points. This can be a thesis worth the entire 120 points, a 60 point dissertation and further papers to the value of 60 points, or 30 point research project and 90 points of further papers.

A 30 point research methods paper is a requirement for the Master of Health Sciences. It can be taken as a generic “unendorsed” option or as an "endorsed" option from those listed below.

Each “endorsed” option has different requirements so it is important to seek course advice before you apply. You can obtain information about each endorsement by clicking on the links below.

The Master of Health Sciences is taught from three campuses (Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington).

Endorsements marked with an asterisk are available through Distance Learning.

Each endorsement is based at a particular campus indicated below: D = Dunedin, C = Christchurch, W = Wellington.

Schedule of Papers

CHHE 701 Community Child Health (30 points)
EDUC 427 Qualitative Research (30 points)
GENA 702 Sexual and Reproductive Health (30 points)
GENA 704 Te Tūhauora: Māori Health (30 points)
GENA 720 Refugee and Migrant Health (30 points)
GENA 731 Supporting Healthier Lifestyles: Core Principles (15 points)
GENA 732 Supporting Healthier Lifestyles: Sleep Management (15 points)
GENA 734 Supporting Healthier Lifestyles: Addiction and Drug Abuse (15 points)
GENA 735 Supporting Healthier Lifestyles: Challenging Conversations (15 points)
GENA 736 Pacific Health (30 points)
GENA 737 Obesity Prevention and management (30 points)
GENA 820 Core Studies in Medical Practice (30 points)
GENA 821 Research Methods (30 points)
GENA 822 Advanced Nature of General Practice (15 points)
GENA 823 Teaching and Learning in Medical Practice (15 points)
GENA 824 Ethics in General Practice (15 points)
LAWS 448 Law and Psychiatry (15 points)
PHCY 520 Applied patient-centred care (30 points)
PHCY 521 Elective topics in patient-centred care (30 points)
PRHC 701 New Zealand Primary Health Care (30 points)
PRHC 702 Wilderness Medicine (30 points)

All papers with the following subject codes:

Notes:

(1) Not all papers are available in Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington.

(2) This list of papers is not exclusive.

(3) Some papers may be taken only for specific endorsed options.

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Programme Academic Co-ordinator (or nominee).

Every applicant, except those falling under section 1(c), shall normally be required to satisfy all of the following:

be a graduate in a health-related field or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years of full-time tertiary study;
have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or equivalent with grades averaging B or better;
have completed 30 points of research methods at NZQF Level 8 with a grade (or average grade if more than one paper is used to complete the 30 points) of B+ or better; and
provide evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.

Applicants for admission where non-standard research methods requirements apply (i.e. for the Bioethics endorsement, or where a NZQF Level 9 research methods paper is required in the Masters’ programme, or where an exemption from a research methods requirement has been granted, or in other approved exceptional circumstances) shall normally be required to satisfy all of the following:

be a graduate in a health-related field or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years of full-time tertiary study;
have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or equivalent with grades averaging B+ or better; and
provide evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.

About the provider

The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in New Zealand, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation.

Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves.

The University’s campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. New Zealand is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, Māori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents.

Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)

Course details