University

The University of Waikato
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Master of Nursing Practice

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Master's Degree

Duration

2 years

Next start date

Expected Mar 2027

Campus

Hamilton Campus

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Summary

Already have a Bachelor's degree but want to start a career in Nursing? The Master of Nursing Practice enables graduates from a wide range of disciplines to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand to practise as a Registered Nurse.

This programme will prepare you to respond to the health needs of the Midland and Aotearoa populations with a particular focus on equity for Māori and Pacific, mental health and addiction, primary and community health.

Delivered in partnership with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato (opens in a new tab) and its clinical partners, our nursing programme combines high academic standards with hands-on learning in a real healthcare setting from day one. The programme also has a specific focus on equity, wellbeing and Māori and Pacific health with opportunities to specialise in mental health and addictions.

On a practical level, you will divide your time between our University campus in Hamilton and health providers across the Waikato region and be guided by an experienced team of registered nurses and other health professionals. This diverse team includes active researchers who are changing the way healthcare is delivered in New Zealand and across the world. This team embraces cutting-edge teaching and learning methods to equip the next generation of nurses with skills and knowledge to meet the healthcare needs of tomorrow.

By the end of your two-year Master of Nursing Practice degree, you will be able to provide the highest quality care to New Zealanders, whether they are living in rural or urban locations, at home or in hospital or experiencing mental or physical illness.

Please note that spaces are limited - we require applications before the 31st August (or before 31 May for international applicants) in the year prior to your intended start year.

You will undertake clinical placement throughout the programme in a variety of settings (minimum of 1,100 hours to meet Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements). Within each trimester, there are both teaching and clinical blocks.

Please note, once you are enrolled in the Master of Nursing Practice, you will also need to complete further tasks prior to commencing Clinical Placement. These are to meet the requirements set down by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (opens in a new tab) for registration as a nurse in New Zealand.

You will need to:

  • hold a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate which covers the following Unit Standards: US6400 (opens in a new tab), US6401 (opens in a new tab) and US6402 (opens in a new tab).
  • provide evidence of immunity to some diseases.

Entry criteria

Selection of applicants for the Master of Nursing Practice is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing.

Please note that spaces are limited, and all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Selection Committee until all spaces are filled. We will begin to assess all applicants once applications close on 31 August and will communicate with you by mid-October if you have been successful

You can apply for the Master of Nursing Practice if you have:

  1. A bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject and achieved at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers of your degree, OR

  2. Completed the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation – Pre-Masters of the University of Waikato, with at least a B grade average.

The selection process also includes:

Please read our tips for applying (opens in a new tab).

Deferrals

Clinical programmes (Nursing, Midwifery, and Pharmacy) have limited places and a competitive selection process. As a result, deferrals are only approved in exceptional circumstances.

To be eligible for a deferral, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • This is your first deferral request for the programme
  • Your offer is at unconditional status
  • You are a domestic student
  • Your reason for deferral is due to a significant hardship outside your control
  • You can provide appropriate supporting documentation

Approved reasons are typically limited to:

  • Medical circumstances (e.g. injury, illness, pregnancy)
  • Compassionate grounds (e.g. significant bereavement or comparable hardship)

All deferral requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee approval, and the University reserves the right to decline any request.

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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).

You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.