Expand your options in nursing
Designed for registered nurses, the Master of Nursing Science (MNS) will improve your general nursing practice. Tailor your study to match your career goals: you can train as a nurse practitioner, become a prescriber, or focus on specialised research.
Your study will help you connect theory, practice, and research to deliver better care for patients and whānau. Our courses respond to current healthcare needs and give you a deeper understanding of pathophysiology, advanced care, and key issues in nursing and research.
You'll learn to carry out advanced patient assessments and strengthen your clinical reasoning. Improve your ability to find, assess, and apply research and information in your practice. Build knowledge, confidence, and new ways of thinking.
Who can study for this qualification
You’ll need to be a registered nurse with a current practising certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand. You’ll also need a New Zealand Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent overseas qualification.
Your study level will depend on your academic background and career goals. Most people start with the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Science, then progress to the Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s.
What you’ll learn
Your learning depends on the study pathway you choose.
Nurse practitioner pathway—Mātanga tapuhi
As a nurse practitioner, you’ll be qualified to diagnose and treat illnesses, including prescribing medication, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests.
Ministry of Health—Nurse practitioners in New Zealand
The Nurse Practitioner pathway gives you the knowledge and skills you need to become a mātanga tapuhi (nurse practitioner). You'll start with applied pathophysiology, advanced assessment and clinical reasoning. Then you’ll explore clinical pharmacology, diagnostics, and therapeutics along with an elective course of your choosing. The Master’s programme concludes with a practicum which will help prepare you for the Nursing Council of New Zealand registration process.
The Master of Nursing Science meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for Nurse Practitioners. To apply for the nurse practitioner pathway, you’ll need a minimum of 4 years’ experience in your area of practice.
NCNZ website—Nurse practitioner required qualifications and competencies
Nurse Practitioners New Zealand has a range of guidance to help you prepare for nurse practitioner study. The website also has information for your clinical mentors, managers, employers, and whānau/family.
Nurse Practitioners New Zealand—Training and Practicum Resources
Registered nurse prescribing pathway
This pathway gives you the skills for a prescribing role in your specified practice. It is set within the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science.
If you complete the registered nurse prescribing pathway, you may be able to credit this towards nurse practitioner study.
How you’ll study
You’ll study a combination of core and elective courses, with a quality improvement project or a research project as a capstone option. A 90 point thesis option is also available.
The MNS 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 (usually Pharmacology, and Diagnostic and Therapeutics, or a research course).
For Part 2, you’ll need to complete a research course (if not already) and an elective course. You'll finish the degree with a 60 point quality improvement or research project.
Study while you work
Our part-time programme options make it easier 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 is supported by the University's online learning environment, Nuku. It forms part of your courses and supports the development of the content delivered in the School.
Support from our experts
Throughout your classwork, research, and clinical experience, our academic team will support and work with you, both in person and online.
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) A candidate for the MNS degree, shall be a New Zealand registered nurse and, before enrolment, shall have:
(i) completed a degree of a tertiary institution in New Zealand*; 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 of an appropriate kind.
*Candidates who have completed a degree at a tertiary institution outside New Zealand will normally be required to have their qualification assessed as equivalent to a New Zealand postgraduate degree by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority before entry into the programme.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MNS
2. Except as provided in section 3, a candidate for the MNS shall undertake an approved course of study comprising 240 points from the Schedule to the MHlth and MNS Regulations, including:
Part 1: At least four approved courses from HLTH 501–519, HLTH 521–550.
Part 2: Either the coursework option or the research option as set out below:
Coursework option:
(i) at least one of Research for Practice (HLTH 501), Research Methods (HLTH 521), or 528; and
(ii) at least one of Practice Project (HLTH 520), Nurse Practitioner Practicum (HLTH 544) or 551.
Research option:
(i) Research Methods (HLTH 521), or 528; and
(ii) Thesis - Master of Nursing (HLTH 594) or Research Project (HLWB 513), or approved substitute
3. Entry to Part 2 requires the permission of the head of school, which will be based on academic achievement in Part 1.
4. (a) A candidate for the MNS shall normally be enrolled for at least two and a half years and shall complete the degree within five years of first enrolling for it.
Note: The minimum and maximum periods of enrolment for a 90-point thesis are specified in the Master’s Thesis Regulations.
(b) The associate dean may extend the maximum period specified in special cases.
(c) At the discretion of the Associate Dean, a candidate who has completed a MNursPrac from this university with an average grade of at least B, may cross-credit Research for Practice (HLTH 501) and 502 to the MNS.
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.
Future careers
Postgraduate study improves your ability to deliver positive health care experiences to patients, whānau, and communities. If you’re considering roles in clinical management, research, or leadership, a Master’s degree helps you develop the skills and knowledge you need to facilitate better health outcomes and improve effective management of complex health care.
Future careers include:
- registered nurse
- nurse practitioner
- nursing science researcher.
More career information
Find out more about nursing 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 Nursing Science
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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. 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 Nursing Science
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.
Further research
If you do well in your MNS and show an aptitude for advanced research, you may be able to apply to do a doctoral degree—a Doctor of Health, Doctor of Nursing, or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in Te Puna Hauora—the School of Health.
As a doctoral candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Explore our doctoral degrees:
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.