Master of Nursing Science

Summary

Build on your knowledge and skills with advanced study of nursing science. Improve your nursing care in general clinical practice or focus on an area of specialist expertise.

Important note

This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, as you must be a registered nurse with a current practising certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand. If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.

Designed for registered nurses, these programmes will enhance your knowledge and help you to develop new skills, ways of thinking, and professional confidence to integrate theory, practice, and research and improve your patient- and whānau-centred nursing care.

Responsive to current demands of practice, our courses will give you a deeper understanding of pathophysiological concepts, advanced nursing care, and current nursing practice issues.

Develop your ability to perform advanced assessments with patients and increase your clinical reasoning ability. Enhance your skills in locating, analysing, evaluating and applying information and research to your clinical practice.

To study these programmes at the School of Health you must be a registered nurse with a current practising certificate from the Nursing Council of New Zealand. You also need a Bachelor's degree from a New Zealand tertiary institution.

The level at which you study will depend on your previous academic achievements and chosen professional direction. Most students begin their studies with the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Science and progress to the Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Nursing Science.

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.

Workload

As a guide, for each 30-point course you take at the School, you should allocate around 10 hours per point for self-directed study, research, assessments, and attendance at schools.

If you’re studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 hours of study time a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing one course per trimester will need to allocate approximately 20 hours of study a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working full time.

Workload

As a guide, for each 30-point course you take at the School, you should allocate around 10 hours per point for self-directed study, research, assessments, and attendance at schools.

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 hours of study time a week for much of the year.

How you'll study

Through a blend of research, class work, and clinical experience, our academic team will support and work with you throughout your study, both face-to-face and through internet-based technology. You'll study a combination of core and elective courses, with both coursework and thesis-based research options at Master’s level.

Most courses are made up of several ‘block schools’, with each block held over one to four days. They're a mix of lectures, tutorials and small group activities that give you time to study and access to staff for advice and guidance. Some courses are also entirely online.

The schools are a great opportunity for you to network with your peers and other health care experts—to share ideas and strategies for learning, identify areas for change and assess your progress.

Study while you work

Our part-time programme options make it easy for you to learn while you're working. We'll help you integrate academic life with work and family through our flexible delivery models that allow you to learn at home or on campus.

The distance component supported by the University's online learning environment, Nuku, forms part of your courses and supports the development of the content delivered in the School.

Further study

Our programmes are designed with a ‘building block’ approach, as each qualification can lead on to the next one. Both certificates and diplomas are stand-alone qualifications but may also contribute towards a higher degree. Should you decide to proceed further with your study we will support you every step of the way.

Find out about your options for postgraduate nursing study and discover what pathways you can follow during your study.

Qualification options

• Master of Nursing Science
• Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science
• Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Science

Master of Nursing Science

The Master of Nursing Science is made up of two parts. In Part 1, you’ll gain an understanding of applied pathophysiology and develo...