Advance your knowledge to enhance your practice or career
Study a programme designed for health professionals across the sector—such as occupational therapists, paramedics, or physiotherapists. Gain advanced knowledge and skills to improve your current health practice and support you to progress your career.
Choose courses to develop specialised knowledge and decision-making skills specific to your healthcare role. Explore complex healthcare systems and further develop theoretical and practical skills. Enhance your ability to analyse, evaluate, and apply information and research to your everyday work.
This specialisation lets you tailor your study to your own professional practice. You’ll learn the latest developments in your profession through courses created in close consultation with industry experts, managers, and students. Graduate able to implement evidence-based practices that directly improve patient outcomes, address health inequities, and contribute to system-wide policies.
Choose your study path
The postgraduate qualification you study will depend on your previous academic achievements and your professional goals.
You can staircase your study from the Postgraduate Certificate to the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master’s. That is, the courses you study in one qualification can count towards the next one.
Who can study postgraduate professional practice
To qualify for entry, you’ll need both:
- a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline
- professional working experience in the healthcare sector.
International students
Professional Practice specialisations may not be suitable for all international students. Contact us to discuss your options.
Flexible study online
Depending on your qualification, courses, and specialisation, you’ll complete your study through:
- online learning
- face-to-face block lectures and workshops
- research projects
- practicums.
Our flexible delivery models allow you to learn at home or on campus so you can balance other commitments like work.
Part-time study options
If you're a domestic student, you can study part-time with one course per trimester, or 20 hours of study a week.
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 Professional Practice at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Postgraduate Professional Practice study will open doors to:
- senior positions
- management roles
- specialized practice opportunities.
You'll have the enhanced skills and knowledge to facilitate better health outcomes and improve effective management of complex healthcare scenarios.
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 was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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This scholarship was established, via the Victoria University Foundation, through a bequest from Bruce Lauder of Timaru, in memory of his sister, Janet Lauder, who had a long career as a nurse. To support postgraduate nursing students at Victoria University of Wellington undertaking research in public or community heath. The funds are to be used to support research-related expenses or...
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 Health
-
This scholarship was established, via the Victoria University Foundation, through a bequest from Bruce Lauder of Timaru, in memory of his sister, Janet Lauder, who had a long career as a nurse. To support postgraduate nursing students at Victoria University of Wellington undertaking research in public or community heath. The funds are to be used to support research-related expenses or...
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
Find staff contact details and roles for the School of Health. You can select each staff member to find out about their research interests and more.
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.