- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City, Grafton
- Points
- 120 or 180
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught options available
Programme overview
Health leadership is a varied and complex field. If you are interested in a career where you can play a part in helping to improve the experiences of patients, the health of communities and the operations of health services, this is the ideal programme for you.
Study a wide range of topics from quality in health care to health care economics, public health principles and health informatics principles.
Health leadership opens doors in careers such as health management, health care quality improvement, international health management and more in this exciting challenging field.
Programme structure
The MHlthLd can be completed as a 120-point or 180-point taught masters degree, depending on the level of study you have completed.
You can choose one of two specialisations:
- Health Management
- Clinical Quality and Safety
The 180-point programme can be completed in three semesters (18 months) full-time or up to 12 semesters (6 years) part-time. The 120-point programme can be completed in two semesters (1 year) full-time or up to eight semesters (4 years) part-time.
The preferred start date is Semester One (late February/early March); however, it is possible to start the Health Management specialisation in Semester Two (July). The Clinical Quality and Safety specialisation may only be commenced in Semester One.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Subjects available in this programme
2025 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 optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelors (honours) degree or postgraduate diploma
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelors degree
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed either:
- a bachelors Honours degree, or a relevant postgraduate diploma, with a GPA of 5.0 or higher
- a bachelors degree, and a relevant postgraduate certificate with a GPA of 5.0 or higher
In exceptional circumstances these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.
You must have completed either:
- a bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0.
- a bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.
- a bachelors degree, and passed 60 points in a relevant postgraduate certificate or diploma (or 60 points of relevant 700 level courses) with a GPA of 5.0 - provided that the postgraduate certificate or diploma has not yet been awarded
In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the requirements for the 120-point masters we will consider you for entry to the 180-point masters if you have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
Alternatively, you can transfer to the MHlthLd after completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences with a GPA of 5.0.
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 optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
Within the past five years you must have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
Your study must be in a relevant discipline and have included courses in population health, health management, health informatics and/or Māori health.
If you are applying for the Clinical Quality and Safety specialisation you will need a clinical background. Relevant disciplines include all health professional degrees, and non-clinical degrees in approved subjects including public health, health sciences, health social sciences, commerce and law.
A minimum amount of study in a relevant discipline is required - this would be at least a major, field of study or approximately 30% of programme content including a mix of introductory and advanced courses.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in a relevant discipline with a GPE of 5.0.
Relevant disciplines include all health professional degrees, and non-clinical degrees in approved subjects including public health, health sciences, health social sciences, commerce and law.
A minimum amount of study in a relevant discipline is required - this would be at least a major, field of study or approximately 30% of programme content including a mix of introductory and advanced courses.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the requirements for the 120-point masters we will consider you for entry to the 180-point masters if you have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
Alternatively, you can transfer to the MHlthLd after completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences with a GPA of 5.0.
How much does a Master of Health Leadership cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$52,585*
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 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.
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
- 8 December 2025
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
The programme has been developed to meet the demand in health leadership and management in international and domestic markets. 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
- Health management
- Health care quality improvement
- International health management
- NGOs
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