Advance your nursing career
Take the next step in your nursing journey with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Nursing Science—a flexible pathway towards a Master of Nursing Science or even doctoral study.
We offer one-to-one support for you to plan your study to match your interests and career goals
Our qualifications are designed with input from health sector leaders, so they reflect the latest developments in your profession. You’ll learn alongside experienced nurses and healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Choose your study path
Choose from a range of options to suit your goals, including:
- advanced clinical practice
- health leadership and management
- research or policy work
- registered nurse prescriber or nurse practitioner pathways (accredited).
Qualify to practice as a nurse
If you already have a Bachelor's degree in any subject, you can enrol in the Master of Nursing Practice. This two-year, intensive programme is your pathway to becoming a nurse—without the need for a second Bachelor's degree.
When you complete the Master's, you’ll be eligible to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s State Final Examination—the final step to becoming a registered nurse in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Pursue advanced nursing practice
If you’re already working as a nurse, you can choose from a range of programmes and pathways. Depending on your goals and time constraints, you could:
- extend your knowledge and practice by studying a selection of courses in a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science
- qualify as a nurse prescriber or nurse practitioner through accredited pathways
- focus on research with a Master of Nursing Science or progress to doctoral study.
Our postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, and Master’s programmes are ‘staircased’—meaning courses you complete for each qualification can count towards the next step.
Nurse prescribing pathway
The registered nurse prescribing pathway in the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science will give you the skill set needed for a prescribing role in your practice.
You'll take a set of core courses exploring applied pathophysiology, advanced assessment, clinical reasoning, and clinical pharmacology. You'll conclude with a nurse prescribing practicum that prepares you for the Nursing Council of New Zealand registration process.
Nurse practitioner pathway
The nurse practitioner pathway is an option in the Master of Nursing Science. It 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, and research, along with an elective course.
The Master’s programme concludes with a practicum that prepares you for the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s nurse practitioner registration process.
Find the right qualification
Not sure which qualification is right for you? Answer a few quick questions to find out which Nursing qualification will suit you best.
Study while you work
Most of our courses are designed so you can 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 and on campus.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Nursing at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Postgraduate study will improve your ability to deliver positive health care experiences to patients, whānau/families and communities.
If you are considering a research, management or clinical leadership role, your enhanced skills and knowledge will enable you to facilitate better health outcomes and improve effective management of complex health care scenarios.
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
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This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).
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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.
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
-
This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).
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
Academic staff from many parts of the university contribute to our postgraduate nursing programme, alongside specialists from the School 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.