Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Next start date
2025 Semester One - 20 January
Available locations
Grafton
Points
240
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

Programme overview

The two-year (240 point) Master of Nursing Science will fast-track your masters qualification and eligibility to become a registered nurse in New Zealand.

The programme has been designed to meet New Zealand’s health workforce need for more nurses, without compromising on quality of training.

For the first time at the University of Auckland, you can enter Nursing at masters level without a BNurs qualification.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in Health Science (BHSc) or Science (BSc) with courses in Physiology and Psychology, then consider all the possibilities a career in nursing can offer.

Programme structure

Requirement:

  • 210 points: MAORIHTH 701, NURSING 742, 746, 780, 787, NURSPRAC 721, 722
  • 30 points: NURSING 789 Research Project

Students will complete four semesters of the specified programme with concurrent clinical placements (minimum of 1,100 hours to meet Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements) in two years full time study:

  • Year 1 – Semester 1 (total 60 points): NURSING 787 – Fundamentals of Nursing Care (30 points), NURSING 742 – Biological Science for Practice (30 points);
    Semester 2 (total 60 points): NURSPRAC 721 – Integrative Nursing Practice (45 Points), MAORIHTH 701 – Foundations of Maori Health (15 points)
  • Year 2 – Semester 1 (total 60 points): NURSING 780 – Mental Health and Addictions Nursing (30 points), NURSING 746 – Evidence Based Nursing and Implementation (30 Points)
    Semester 2 (total 60 points): NURSPRAC 722 – Transition to Professional Nursing Practice (30 points), NURSING  789 – Research project (30 points)

 

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    NURSING 787
    Name:
    Fundamentals of Nursing Care
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    NURSING 742
    Name:
    Biological Science for Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    NURSPRAC 721
    Name:
    Integrative Nursing Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    45 pts
  • Code:
    MAORIHTH 701
    Name:
    Foundations of Maori Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    NURSING 780
    Name:
    Mental Health and Addictions Nursing
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    NURSING 746
    Name:
    Evidence Based Nursing and Implementation
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    NURSPRAC 722
    Name:
    Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    NURSING 789
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Subjects available in this programme

  • Nursing Science
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2024 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 240 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent

Further programme requirements

Taught 240 points

The MNSc is designed for students with a relevant undergraduate degree (BHSc or BSc) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II.

Applicants will also be required to consent to a disclosure of criminal convictions and safety checks required by the Children’s Act 2014 to ensure they meet the requirements of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 240 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

Further programme requirements

Taught 240 points

Whether a degree is considered relevant will depend on the courses taken; relevant areas may include Physiology and Psychology.

Entrance may be subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, an interview and referee reports.
 

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Nursing Science cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,892.40*
International students
NZ$50,564*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
4 October 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The Master of Nursing Science provides a pathway to career advancement and into management. Graduates often pursue careers in healthcare consulting, research and specialist nursing. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Advanced nurse practitioner
  • Clinical nurse specialist
  • Nurse administrator
  • Nurse consultant
  • Nurse educator
  • Research nurse

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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