Master of Health Sciences (Nursing)

Description 
This course will enable students to understand the responsibilities of nursing and the inter-professional team, to communicate professionally and to understand ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks for health care delivery and practice in the context of Aotearoa | New Zealand and globally.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course the student will;

1. Critically analyse models of nursing practice and health care delivery, the role of the nurse and the interprofessional team.
2.  Critically evaluate and apply healthcare policies, practices, ethical and legal frameworks applicable to nursing practice.
3. Critically review the principles of cultural safety, and its application in health care practice.
4. Critique the principles of therapeutic communication and interpersonal relationships and their application in nursing practice.
5. Critically explore processes for the application of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the provision of health care services.
6. Critically explore the impact of indigeneity and colonisation on equity of health outcomes within a bi-cultural environment.
   

Description 
In this course students will gain the health assessment, bioscience and pharmacology knowledge and skills required to understand disease processes, the rationale for interventions and how drugs affect the body.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course the student will;

1. Critically apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and homeostasis to health assessment.
2. Demonstrate and apply skills in health assessment and documenting the findings of physical examination.
3. Critically apply knowledge of the transmission and control of organisms.
4. Critically apply knowledge of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics across the lifespan and for different population groups.
5. Critically apply legal, sociocultural and ethical principles to professional practice. 
   
   

Description 
In this course students will be able to select, critically analyse and apply theoretical frameworks related to mental health and addiction across the lifespan and evaluate their impact on individuals and family | whānau.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course the student will;

1. Utilise developmental frameworks to understand human development across the lifespan and life stages.
2. Describe the aetiology, pathophysiology and presentation of complex mental illnesses and addictions and their impact on individuals, whānau| family and communities.
3. Critically analyse and apply the legal, socio-cultural and ethical issues surrounding mental illness for individuals and for communities.
4. Critically evaluate and apply the concept of recovery | wellness in mental health and addictions.
5. Assess, plan and work collaboratively with the person, whānau and the interdisciplinary team to provide care for people with altered mental health or addictions.  
6. Understand and apply the mechanism of action of selected drugs to maximise therapeutic effectiveness and minimise adverse reactions.
7. Critically evaluate the impact of indigeneity and colonisation on mental health and oranga. 
   
   

Description 
This course will introduce students to health service contexts and the complexity of care for those with predominantly physical health concerns and co-morbidities. The patient journey for those with acute and long-term conditions across a range of settings will be explored. The focus is on comprehensive health assessment, care planning, evidence-based interventions and evaluation including rehabilitation.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course the student will;

1. Synthesize and apply the epidemiology, pathophysiology and care management of major physical health changes and the impact these have on individuals and whānau | family in relation to acute, chronic, rehabilitative, and palliative phases.
2. Critically evaluate the impact of indigeneity and colonisation on equity of health outcomes and access to healthcare services.
3. Critically evaluate and apply care activities associated with chronicity and co-morbidity as it relates to the healthcare and illness experiences of individuals and whānau | family.
4. Evaluate and apply assessment frameworks to respond to rapidly changing situations and the deteriorating patient.
5. Explain the mechanism of action of selected drug categories and critically discuss and apply interventions which maximise therapeutic effectiveness and minimise adverse reactions.
6. Demonstrate and apply knowledge to explain drug interactions, adverse drug reactions and contraindications including rongoā Māori and complementary therapies.
7. Critically apply evidence-based practice to support best quality health care provision and outcomes in acute and long-term health care settings.

Description 
In this course students will critically examine primary care and other community-based health services at individual, whānau, local and population levels. The impact of public health measures and sustainability will be explored.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course the student will;

1. Critically analyse and apply the concept of oranga to community health care.
2. Critically evaluate the impact of indigeneity and colonisation on equity, health service design and access, and health outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.
3. Critically examine and apply community health assessment models appropriate for different groups.
4. Critically review and apply adult learning theory, models of health promotion and health education.
5. Critique the influences and impact of health care delivery for people living with a disability/impairment and their whānau/family and community.
6. Critically examine Hauora Māori models of service delivery and the health experiences of Māori that impact on health outcomes.

Description
Learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP), reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of clinical decision making, critical thinking and patient centered care. Knowledge of EBP is crucial for making informed decisions regarding patients and is foundational to the professional identity and competence of all health care practitioners.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

1. Critically interpret evidence-based practice within the context of philosophical, theoretical and social foundations of knowledge.
2. Critically evaluate the ethical responsibilities when undertaking research in health and the application of findings in clinical practice.
3. Critically analyse concepts, theories, models and paradigms in relation to evidence-based practice.
4. Examine approaches to research and clinical inquiry and how they inform evidence-based practice to inform decision making.
5. Critically appraise the application of research findings and evidence-based concepts across diverse cultural contexts.

Description 
This is a capstone course where students will synthesise knowledge from previous courses to critically reflect and apply to nursing scholarship and practice. Students will demonstrate the skills of scholarly inquiry and the application of evidence-based practice to meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for entry to registered nurse practice.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course the student will;

1. Critically review the evidence for practice and the challenges in application to nursing practice.
2. Critically apply the socio, cultural, and political context of health to the delivery of equitable outcomes for individuals and communities.
3. Apply quality assurance data to design and deliver improvements in patient experience and outcomes.
4. Meet the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for the registered nurse scope of practice.

Whether you need advice finding the right course for you or support with the enrolment process, we’re here to help! Contact enrolment support for course information, technical help and enrolment support.

The Tuihono UC | UC Online Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) degree is a two-year full-time programme designed to develop advanced knowledge, skills and competencies to apply to become a registered nurse through Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand.  

Bringing together the latest industry-informed learning applicable to your life and career, the UC Online Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) gives you the same quality education as other university programmes with the flexibility of online learning.

This includes 24/7 access, academic advice and technical support, giving you the support to study at your pace.

Learn more about how this flexible degree works and what your study journey might look like.

Graduates can apply to the Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa | Nursing Council of New Zealand to sit the State Examination and become a registered nurse. This enables work as a registered nurse in health and social care, as well as community, residential or aged care. 
New Zealand registered nurses are in demand overseas and graduates will be able to transfer their registration to Australia and the UK among other countries.

The overall cost of tuition fees per 30-point course based on the 2025 fee schedule:

• for domestic learners is $2,524* incl GST
• for international learners is $10,950* plus GST if applicable.

Total programme investment for the 240-point programme based on the 2025 fee schedule: 

• for domestic learners is $20,194* incl GST
• for international learners is $87,600* plus GST if applicable.

*Please note that the fees are charged on a per year basis and the amount charged reflects the number of courses/points enrolled in the current year. These are based on the 2025 fee structure and subject to revision – you can learn more about the University of Canterbury’s Tuition fee structure here.

Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.

The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $1.94 per academic point in 2025. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.

The programme can be completed in two years of full-time study. 

Studying online allows for flexibility in completing coursework, and Tuihono UC’s programme provides learners with the same quality education and resources as other university programmes.

Note that this programme also requires two weeks of in-person intensives on campus at University of Canterbury per semester, and clinical practice elements. 

The programme is delivered with a majority of coursework online, using a range of technologies including video conferencing, online discussion forums, and interactive learning experiences.

There are some intensive study blocks where learning will be onsite at the University of Canterbury (Ilam and Manawa (city) Campus) for two weeks per semester. 

Each course has clinical learning experiences associated with the course. Attendance in clinical practice elements is compulsory and learners must successfully complete the clinical course requirements in order to progress in the programme.

Learn more about how this flexible degree works and what your study journey might look like.

As part of the MHealSci, our students are required to complete a series of clinical placements with industry providers. These placements encompass various areas of practice, including but not limited to continuing care, mental health, complex conditions, and community and whanau settings. Placements are organised in intensive blocks, ranging from 4 to 13 weeks, and typically involve 2 to 5 days per week. Students will be expected to work across a range of nursing shifts from Monday to Sunday, including morning, afternoon, evening, and night shifts, depending on the requirements of each placement.

While we will make every effort to arrange clinical placements within our learners' region of enrolment, there may be instances where suitable placements are not available locally. In such cases, students may be required to complete placements outside their region to ensure a comprehensive clinical experience.

Learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.

Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team.

There are a range of options you can use to finance your study, which you can learn more about here.

Applications are made online through our Tuihono UC | UC Online website – view open enrolments and/or expressions of interest for when enrolments open. 

There are some intensive study blocks where learning will be synchronous. Learners are expected to be present and participate in the online learning and the intensive study blocks, as well as all clinical practice elements. 

Learn more about how this flexible degree works and what your study journey might look like.

This degree equips you with all the competencies you need to apply for registration with the Aotearoa New Zealand Nursing Council, in two years. Graduates must apply to the Nursing Council and sit the State Final Examination (additional fee) before being registered as a nurse. 

The Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) is a standalone professionally relevant qualification. 

If you complete the requirements for the Master of Health Sciences (Nursing), and have completed 30-60 points of independent research and with a B Grade Point Average or better, you may apply to the Amo Rangahau | Dean of Postgraduate Research for admission to the PhD programme. For more information, please contact the UC Graduate School.