Build on your health knowledge
Develop the knowledge you need to work at an advanced level in the health sector. Build on your existing healthcare experience, or continue from your previous health study to open doors to senior or leadership roles.
Choose to focus on one of seven specialist areas such as leadership or policy, or study health more broadly without a specialisation. If you’re a registered health professional you can choose to specialise in your professional area, including nursing and midwifery. You’ll complete coursework and either a professional project or research project.
Choose a study path that interests you and develops your expertise in Health. If you have an analytical mind and want to improve patient care or address health disparities, the Master of Health will suit you.
Introducing the Master of Health
Find out about the Master of Health offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Hear Dr Clive Aspin and Dr Kim Van Wissen talk about the opportunities this degree will give you, the specialisations offered, and who the programme is suitable for.
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for a Master of Health if you have a Bachelor of Health or another relevant degree.
To specialise in Midwifery, Nursing, or Professional Practice you also need be a registered health professional in that area.
Studying as an international student
Midwifery, Nursing, or Professional Practice may not be suitable for international students.
Contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest.
What you'll learn
What you'll learn depends on your chosen specialisation. There are seven specialist areas for the Master of Health:
- Health Leadership and Management
- Health Policy, Planning, and Service Delivery
- Health Promotion
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Professional Practice
- Workplace Health and Safety (accredited by Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
How you'll study
The 180-point Master of Health can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters).
Depending on your courses and specialisation, you’ll complete your study through online learning, face-to-face block lectures and workshops, research projects, and practicums.
Part 1
In the first part of your qualification, you’ll take one of two core courses that will help you to develop your research skills within a health context.
You’ll explore topics that best support your area of professional interest, including healthcare management, promotion, and practice.
If you choose to specialise, you’ll complete courses related to your specialisation.
If you do not choose a specialisation, you’ll choose from a wide range of courses according to your interests.
Part 2
In Part 2, you’ll explore your specialisation further, with either a relevant research project or a professional project that demonstrates your advanced knowledge of your field of professional practice.
If you’re not specialising, you will also complete either a professional project or a research project.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right supervisor.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MHlth degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor of Health, or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, with an average grade of at least B; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides equivalent preparation.
(c) A candidate for the Midwifery, Nursing, and Professional Practice specialisations will normally be a registered health professional.
Entry requirements
Your acceptance into this programme is based on your previous qualifications and experience.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MHlth
2. (a) The MHlth shall consist of a cohesive course of study of at least 180 points approved by the head of school comprising:
Part 1: Either:
(i) Research Methods (HLTH 521) or 528;
(ii) 60 further points from the MHlth Schedule approved by the head of school; and
(iii) 30 further 400- or 500-level points or
Part 1 of the MHlthPsych.
Part 2: Professional Project (HLTH 551) or Research Project (HLWB 513).
(b) Entry to Part 2 requires the completion of Part 1, with an average grade of at least B and acceptance by the head of school.
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for at least three trimesters and shall complete the degree within four years of first enrolling in it. The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Transfer of credit
4. Where candidates for the Midwifery, Nursing, or Professional Practice specialisation have completed postgraduate study in Midwifery, Nursing, or Professional Practice at another New Zealand university or institute of technology or polytechnic, with an average grade of at least B, the associate dean may, on the recommendation of the head of school, permit credit transfer of up to 60 points to the MHlth.
5. For candidates in other specialisations, the provisions of the Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning Regulations apply.
Major requirements
Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.
Explore more degree options by adding an optional second major or minor. How our flexible degrees work.
Major subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
MHlth subjects
Health Leadership & Management
Health Policy, Planning and Service Delivery
Health Promotion
Professional Practice
Workplace Health and Safety
No matching majors found.
Research an area that interests you
The Faculty of Health has a vibrant and diverse research culture.
Our research:
- draws on interdisciplinary perspectives
- seeks to inform health policy and practice
- improves health outcomes
- addresses health inequities.
Find out about the latest research news, research supervisors and groups, and the research centres.
Future careers
The Master of Health prepares you to make significant contributions in the health sector.
You could find work in:
- policy development
- policy analysis
- data analysis
- health leadership
- health services research.
For example, specialising in Health Policy, Planning, and Service Delivery could support you to move into a senior policy role where you’ll influence better health outcomes.
If you come from a clinical background, your study will complement your professional practice with critical thinking and analytical skills in your area of specialisaton.
Find out more about career opportunities within Health.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Health
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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This scholarship has been established by the Faculty of Health— Te Pukenga Wai to support first-year Bachelor of Midwifery students to meet the initial financial costs associated with enrolment into the programme.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We're 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.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Health
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This scholarship has been established by the Faculty of Health— Te Pukenga Wai to support first-year Bachelor of Midwifery students to meet the initial financial costs associated with enrolment into the programme.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Further research or study
If you do well in your Master’s degree, and show an aptitude for advanced research, you’ll be able to apply to do a doctorate.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the Wellington Faculty of Health.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.