How does our online Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) work?

We went behind the scenes of teaching and learning in our online Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) degree to help show you what it's like to study nursing with us.

Blending the best of online and in-person learning with clinical placements in your area, let us tell you how this two-year degree works - and how it gives you the skills you need to become a registered nurse!

In-person intensive weeks of teaching and learning

All learners come together at the start of each semester for a week of on-campus learning in Ōtautahi Christchurch. During these classes, they are introduced to key principles and concepts of the upcoming courses and get some hands-on experience in training nursing labs on site. Learners also spend some time getting to know each other and their course coordinators and facilitators. 

Dr Isabel Jamieson, the coordinator for our MHealSc (Nursing) programme and a registered nurse herself, has a passion for nursing and supporting learners to succeed. She says what makes a good nurse is flexibility, critical thinking, and communication.

Photo: Isabel teaching learners during a 2024 in-person intensive as part of the Master of Health Sciences (Nursing). 

“Our nurses must be flexible and think on their feet and be willing to learn, be accountable and be professional. Many nurses will find the reality of working in Aotearoa New Zealand involves applying your advanced clinical and nursing knowledge and also in a wide variety of clinical areas and teams.

"This is why we encourage learners to get to know each other during these in-person sessions on campus – you may well find you need to work together later or draw on each other’s strengths to meet assessment requirements.”

There is another on-campus in-person intensive mid-semester, which tends to be more practical and gives learners a chance to reconnect and encourage each other. 

Online learning for theory and practical knowledge

Outside of two weeks of in-person intensives each semester, learners study via Tuihono UC's online learning management system, with a range of video, written and interactive content designed for online learning.

This content covers theory and practical knowledge of nursing concepts, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and nursing assessment. Assessments set in these modules include exams, quizzes, and a clinical portfolio.

Video: get a taste of studying with Tuihono UC | UC Online and what your learning journey might look like.

Clinical practice in different settings

Nursing learners also complete clinical practice hours while studying the online modules. These clinical practice hours are arranged by our practicum coordinator in a learner's local region and allow learners to observe and practice nursing skills in a structured, supported way.

“Nursing is often described as an art and a science," says Isabel. "A great deal of a nurses’ day involves applying scientific principles and evidence-based practice in the care of patients, while also utilising holistic and caring skills such as interpersonal communication and building effective relationships.”

Forum discussions and synchronous (live online) sessions

Learners share what they have been reading and discuss questions that may arise from their online learning in our online forums. Topics such as “which skin disorders have you seen the most and what was the treatment” and “can you share an example of effective/ineffective therapeutic communication” encourage learners to share their knowledge and talk to others about areas that they may find confusing or unfamiliar.

Facilitators also set up and run synchronous (live online) zoom sessions which all learners are encouraged to attend. In these sessions, discussion ranges widely from preparation for the next assessment to mental health and wellbeing, as well as going over particular aspects of recent learning modules.

Photo: some of our 2024 Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) learners on-campus for a week of in-person intensive learning.

Prepared for working in busy, varied clinical environment

By the end of their two-year master's degree, our nursing learners are prepared to apply for Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand's State Final Examination to become a registered nurse and work in a busy clinical setting.

“We’ve been teaching this programme for over a decade, and we keep in touch with our graduates," says Isabel. "We can say that all of them so far have been successful finding work as a registered nurse, and many have progressed to advanced roles such as clinical nurse educators (CNEs) , clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) or charge nurses (CNs).

“Nursing is such a fundamental qualification in healthcare that it allows you to specialise in any number of different fields. Nurse educators who work with me on this programme come from a variety of clinical specialties, from working with patients before and after operations, intensive care, mental health nursing and working with therapeutic interventions.”

Gain a meaningful career where you can make a difference – take your next step towards becoming a registered nurse with our 2-year Master of Health Sciences (Nursing).