- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2024 Late Year Term – 1 December
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- Available locations
- Grafton
- Points
- 120 or 240
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught & research options available
Programme overview
If you are interested in a career where you can contribute to areas such as health services, health systems, clinical practice and research, the Master of Health Sciences is the ideal programme for you.
The MHSc equips you to take on leadership roles in the delivery of health services, systems or research. There is also the option to specialise in Nutrition and Dietetics, which enables graduates to seek registration with the New Zealand Dietitians Board in order to practise as a dietitian in New Zealand.
As well as the opportunity to undertake research in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, you may also undertake this programme at the University’s Liggins Institute.
Programme structure
You can choose between a Taught (120 and 240 points) and a Research Masters (120 and 240 points). If you have completed an undergraduate degree then you would normally enter a 240-point programme. If you have already completed a 120-point postgraduate qualification then you may be able to enter a 120-point programme.
Taught masters (120 points)
- Dissertation (60 points) and
- Advanced level courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (60 points).
or
- Applied Research project (60 points) and
- Advanced level courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (60 points).
Taught masters (240 points)
- Dissertation (60 points) and
- Advanced level courses outlined in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Schedule (120 points) and
- Advanced level courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (60 points).
or
- Applied Research project (60 points) and
- Advanced level courses outlined in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Schedule (120 points) and
- Advanced level courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (60 points).
Research Masters (120 points)
- Thesis (120 points)
or
- Research Portfolio (120 points)
or
- Research Portfolio (90 points) and
- Advanced level courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (30 points)
or
- Core course in advanced clinical optometric research (90 points) and
- Advanced level courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (30 points).
Research masters (240 points)
- Thesis (120 points) and
- Advanced level courses outlined in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Schedule (120 points)
or
- Research Portfolio (120 points) and
- Advanced level courses outlined in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Schedule (120 points)
or
- Research portfolio (90 points) and
- Advanced level courses outlined in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Schedule (120 points) and
- Advanced level courses listed in the Master of Health Sciences Schedule (30 points).
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Subjects available in this programme
The Nutrition and Dietetics Specialisation provides the specialised postgraduate training required to enable graduates to seek registration with the New Zealand Dietitians Board in order to practise as a Dietitian in New Zealand.
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
A Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or equivalent)
-
Study optionTaught 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
A Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or equivalent)
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
An undergraduate degree
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or an equivalent qualification such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health) 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 need to have completed a relevant undergraduate degree with a GPA of 5.0. Relevant degrees include a degree in dentistry, health sciences, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, public health, optometry science, social sciences for public health, or social work.
Alternatively, a relevant undergraduate degree as well as 60 points in a relevant postgraduate certificate or diploma (or 60 points of relevant 700 level courses), provided that the postgraduate certificate or diploma has not been awarded.
From 2019, for the Nutrition and Dietetics specialisation, you must have completed the University of Auckland Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition (Nutrition Pathway) or an equivalent BSc degree in Human Nutrition with a GPA of 6.0 or higher.
In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience.
You must have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or an equivalent qualification such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.
You also need to have a supervisor and topic confirmed.
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 need to have completed a relevant undergraduate degree with a GPA of 5.0. Relevant degrees include a degree in dentistry, health sciences, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, public health, optometry science, social sciences for public health, or social work.
Alternatively, a relevant undergraduate degree as well as 60 points in a relevant postgraduate certificate or diploma (or 60 points of relevant 700 level courses), provided that the postgraduate certificate or diploma has not been awarded.
From 2019, for the Nutrition and Dietetics specialisation, you must have completed the University of Auckland Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition (Nutrition Pathway) or an equivalent BSc degree in Human Nutrition with a GPA of 6.0 or higher.
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 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
-
Study optionResearch 240 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
- Nutrition and Dietetics specialisation has a higher requirement
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You need to have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, in health sciences or public health with a GPE of 5.0.
Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution).
You need to have completed a relevant undergraduate degree, such as a degree in dentistry, health sciences, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, public health, optometry science, social sciences for public health, or social work.
Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0.
From 2019, for the Nutrition and Dietetics specialisation, you must have completed:
- the University of Auckland Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Food Science and Nutrition (Nutrition Pathway) or an equivalent undergraduate degree in science in Human Nutrition with a GPE of 6.0 or higher.
- International applicants must have a minimum Academic IELTS 7.5 score, no bands less than 7.0.
You need to have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, in health sciences or public health with a GPE of 5.0.
Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution).
You also need to have a supervisor and topic confirmed.
You need to have completed a relevant undergraduate degree, such as a degree in dentistry, health sciences, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, public health, optometry science, social sciences for public health, or social work.
Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0.
From 2019, for the Nutrition and Dietetics specialisation, you must have completed:
- the University of Auckland Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Food Science and Nutrition (Nutrition Pathway) or an equivalent undergraduate degree in science in Human Nutrition with a GPE of 6.0 or higher.
- International applicants must have a minimum Academic IELTS 7.5 score, no bands less than 7.0.
How much does a Master of Health Sciences cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,018.80*
- 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 $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.
Key dates
1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.
Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.
The application closing date for the Nutrition and Dietetics specialisation is 1 July in the year before applying. For Semester Two 2024, the application closing date is 1 July 2023.
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 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
- Late Year Semester 2025
- 11 November 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 | |
| Late Year Term | Starts – 1 December |
| Ends – 1 March |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November | |
| Late Year Term | Starts – 1 December |
| Ends – 1 March |
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 MHSc will provide you with specialist skills that will open up opportunities into specific healthcare occupations. Most graduates will continue to work in their health professions, but the MHSc will enable them to pursue leadership in those areas. 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
- Consultancy and advisory
- Health educator
- Health promotion
- Health services manager
- Quality assurance
- Research
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