- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Next start date
- Flexible start dates
- Available locations
- Grafton
- Points
- 360
- Programme type
- Doctorate
Programme overview
The Doctor of Medicine was renamed the Doctor of Medical Sciences in 2024.
The DMedSc offers a robust research focus in your chosen subject. You can leverage years of clinical experience to create a high-quality thesis, enhancing your expertise without pausing your practice. If your study includes retrospective research, you can complete your thesis in as little as 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time.
You can make a real-world impact with your research by addressing clinical and practice challenges. Your thesis could cover a spectrum of projects from unravelling genetic mysteries to assessing public health trends like heart disease prevalence. You may even spearhead a national clinical trial testing new therapeutic possibilities within your thesis.
More information
Programme structure
During the DMedSc, you will usually do research for three to four years full-time or eight years part-time.
- On entering the DMedSc programme, you will be enrolled provisionally.
- By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the DMedSc programme.
- After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination, usually after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process may include an oral exam.
- There is a provision for candidates to report on original research completed before entry to the DMedSc programme, provided it has not been submitted as part of a previous degree or diploma.
- The use of research prior to enrolment can reduce the enrolment period to 12 months full-time or 24 months part time.
For more information and advice, talk to a postgraduate advisor by contacting the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
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.
-
Grade requiredN/A
- MBChB
- Evidence of significant research experience
Further programme requirements
Supervision and research requirements
Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.
You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities. You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.
How to apply
Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.
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.
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent N/A
- MBChB
- Evidence of significant research experience
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Supervision and research requirements
Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.
You must demonstrate an ability to research independently, and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities.
All students must meet our English-language requirements as a condition of entry.
Programme-specific requirements
You must have at least five years’ professional experience in medical practice.
How to apply
Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.
How much does a Doctor of Medical Sciences cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,659.60*
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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment.
*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.
Key dates
Eligible candidates can enrol and start their DMedSc programme at any time of year. If you are a New Zealand student, you must enrol within 3 months of your unconditional offer. If you are an International student, you must enrol in the programme within 6 months of your unconditional offer.
As part of the application process for the DMedSc, you need to provide an outline of your proposed research project.
Although you are not required to nominate a doctoral supervisor as part of your initial application, you can also look at supervisor profiles and research projects currently available through Discovery Profiles, or contact the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences for further advice.
Where could this programme take you?
You will gain the skills to tackle complex clinical and practice issues, making you an asset in diverse and influential roles within the health workforce. These could include clinical leadership, academia and research, specialist positions, healthcare administration and consultancy. You'll emerge as a leader in your profession, advancing and sharing knowledge. 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.
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.
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.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513