Kick-start your career and move into nursing
This intensive programme builds on and incorporates your study skills and knowledge as a university graduate. It allows you to transition to a career as a registered nurse in Aotearoa-New Zealand with two years’ study at postgraduate level.
As a nurse, you’ll support people and whānau. You’ll work in person-centered partnerships to deliver safe and equitable healthcare. You might practice in a variety of health settings, where you’ll respond to the healthcare needs of our country’s diverse population.
As well as building your theoretical knowledge, you’ll complete up to 1,100 hours of clinical practice. Once you’ve successfully completed this programme, you’ll be able to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Final to gain registration in preparation for joining the nursing workforce.
Learn about our Master of Nursing Practice
Thinking about becoming a nurse? Our Master of Nursing Practice is a 2-year degree for graduates of any degree to pursue a career in nursing.
Who can study for this qualification
You can apply to study a MNursPrac if you have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject with at least a B+ average, and meet other eligibility criteria. You might need to complete some further study first if your degree is from outside health or sciences. Talk to us to find out more.
What you'll learn
Our degree focuses on commitments to care, nursing scholarship, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. These three pou | pillars underpin the curriculum and lead to safe, competent, and effective nursing practice.
Our programme has a spiral curriculum model, where topics are revisited throughout, but with increasing levels of difficulty and complexity to build new learning. Technical and theoretical knowledge is integrated with affective and practical skills.
In your first year, you’ll complete core courses covering nursing care, hauora Māori, and research for nursing practice. In your second year, you’ll study applied pathophysiology. Both years include extensive clinical practicums where you’ll build clinical skills and consolidate your knowledge.
How you'll study
You’ll be part of a small group of students who journey together through the degree. Your time will be spent between:
- block style classes—condensed into a few days at a time
- tutorials
- clinical learning experiences with health care providers, under the supervision of a registered nurse.
The principles of Tuakana-Teina will be used to support both your academic and clinical development.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
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 MNursPrac shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree at the appropriate level (normally a minimum of a B+ average grade in the final year of study);
(ii) met the entry requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand (Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa)
(iii) 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 of an appropriate kind.
*Note: Students whose undergraduate qualification is from outside health or sciences may need to complete a formal bridging programme providing basic concepts in chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. This will be assessed as part of the application process and selection interview.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MNursPrac
2. (a) The course of study for the MNursPrac shall consist of courses worth at least 240 points, comprising: Research for Practice (HLTH 501), Applied Pathophysiology (HLTH 502), Integrated Nursing Practicum 1 (NRSE 403), Integrated Nursing Practicum 2 (NRSE 404), Integrated Nursing Practicum 3 (NRSE 405), Foundational Pou of Nursing in Aotearoa (NRSE 410), and 501;
(b) At least 1,100 hours of clinical learning experience, gained through the courses listed in (a) and if necessary NRSE 406 and/or NRSE 407.
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for at least four trimesters and must complete the degree within five years of initial enrolment to meet Nursing Council of New Zealand (Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa) standards. Transfer of credit
4. Transfer credit may be granted in line with the standards specified by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa) and the provisions of the Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. The maximum amount of credit that can be transferred is 30 points.
Future careers
When you complete the MNursPrac, you’ll be eligible to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand/Te Kaunihera Tāpuhi o Aotearoa State Final Examination to become a registered nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand.
There is a global shortage of highly skilled healthcare professionals. Meet the challenge by acquiring the skills to become a registered nurse, and help meet the needs of this vital sector.
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.
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 Takis Koutsos Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Takis Koutsos. Mr Koutsos was a post-WW II child immigrant to New Zealand from Greece who had a lifelong interest in Greek archaeology and history and was a close friend of VUW Emeritus Professor John Psathas, who worked as a stormwater engineer in Napier. The scholarship honours...
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.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Health
-
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.
-
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.
-
The Takis Koutsos Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Takis Koutsos. Mr Koutsos was a post-WW II child immigrant to New Zealand from Greece who had a lifelong interest in Greek archaeology and history and was a close friend of VUW Emeritus Professor John Psathas, who worked as a stormwater engineer in Napier. The scholarship honours...
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.
Academic staff research areas
Claire Foronda
Lecturer
Thomas Gorte
Lecturer (Teaching) (MNP)
Annie Kane
Lecturer in Nursing
Leanne Pool
Lecturer
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.