Specialise in health research
Further your postgraduate study and develop specialised research skills with the Master of Health Research (MHR). This advanced degree focuses on the practice of research and theory development in relation to health and wellbeing, healthcare, or health outcomes.
You’ll study for 1 year, focusing on a specific area of health. With supervision from our academic experts, you’ll contribute to research that can improve healthcare practices and outcomes. If you meet the requirements, you could specialise in Nursing or Midwifery.
The MHR gives you flexible hours and location to balance other commitments like work while you study. You’ll graduate with the skills to move into senior or leadership roles, health research, or academia.
Who can study for this qualification
To qualify for MHR entry, you’ll need both:
- a Bachelor’s degree with Honours or postgraduate qualification in a health-related discipline
- significant relevant professional experience.
To specialise in Nursing or Midwifery, you also need professional registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand or Midwifery Council of New Zealand.
If you have a background outside health but have relevant skills or knowledge, contact the postgraduate programme director to discuss your options.
Other Master’s options
There is also the Master of Health (MHlth) degree. It builds on your Bachelor’s degree or clinical experience with 180 points of coursework and research.
Flexible study options
You’ll complete your study through online learning, face-to-face block lectures and workshops, research projects, and practicums.
Our flexible delivery models allow you to learn at home or on campus so you can juggle other commitments like work.
Part-time study
You can study part-time with around 20 hours of study a week.
Completion usually takes up to 2 years of part-time study.
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 MHR degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree with Honours or a postgraduate diploma in a relevant discipline; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Candidates applying to enrol in HLTH 591–593 must have had significant professional experience in the health sector.
(c) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) of the Faculty of Health for a candidate who has extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MHR
2. The course of study for the MHR shall consist of one of Master of Health Research - Thesis (HLTH 591), Master of Health Research - Thesis in Nursing (HLTH 592), Master of Health Research - Thesis in Midwifery (HLTH 593), or Master of Health Research - Thesis (HLWB 591).
Note: The minimum and maximum periods of enrolment for the thesis are specified in the Master’s Thesis Regulations.
Future careers
The MHR can help you enter advanced roles, or allows you to further explore health research and academia.
Discover the opportunities that come with expertise in a specialised area of health.
More career information
Find out more about careers in health.
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
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right supervisor.
Research an area that interests you
Choose a research project in a health-related discipline that fits within the School of Health’s areas of research and expertise.
You‘ll receive expert research guidance from an academic supervisor as you design and conduct your study. Our supervisors specialize in a variety of research topics and methodologies.
You can apply with a chosen topic and preferred supervisor or allow us to match you with a supervisor who has research topics relevant to your interests.
Browse a list of health research staff, their projects, research interests, and availability for supervision.
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.