QUALIFICATION
Master's Degree (Level 9, 180 credits)
Duration
1.5 Years Full-Time (Part-time available)
Location
Hawke's Bay Campus (Napier) / Auckland Campus
Fees
NZD 44,400/year (international)
Entry Score
IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
Next Intake
Napier: 16 Feb / 20 Jul 2026 Auckland: 9 Feb / 27 Apr / 20 Jul / 5 Oct 2026
Programme Overview
The Master of Health Science at EIT is an 18-month, 180-credit postgraduate programme designed for interdisciplinary health professionals, health service managers, and allied healthcare professionals. The programme advances practice, knowledge, and critical analysis skills in a flexible, blended learning environment combining online delivery with face-to-face workshops, tutorials, and block courses. Courses are built around key health issues to develop advanced practice and understanding, enabling students to investigate the improvement of health outcomes, reduction of health disparities, and protection against global health threats in both national and international contexts. The programme's multidisciplinary approach brings together practitioners from diverse health backgrounds, enriching learning through shared professional experiences. Online study is available for international students.
What You'll Study
Choose one of two study pathways in discussion with your Programme Coordinator:
Pathway 1 - Thesis
- Three Level 8 courses (90 credits)
- Thesis - Level 9 (90 credits)
Pathway 2 - Research Project
- Four Level 8 courses (120 credits)
- Choose one Level 9 research component (60 credits total):
- Independent Scholarly Project (30 credits)
- Applied Research Report (45 credits)
- Applied Research Dissertation (60 credits)
Note: Credit may be awarded at Level 8 only. A maximum of 120 credits may be awarded via Recognition of Prior Learning.
Why Choose This Programme?
- Fully Blended Delivery: Online learning supported by face-to-face workshops study at your pace, in your place, from anywhere in New Zealand
- Online Study Available: International students can study fully online ideal for working health professionals
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Learn alongside health professionals from diverse backgrounds including nursing, allied health, sport science, health management, and more
- Two Research Pathways: Choose between a full thesis or a shorter applied research project to suit your career goals
- Exit Qualifications: Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science available as exit points
- NZQA Category 1: EIT holds the highest quality rating awarded to NZ institutes of technology
Career Pathways
| Sector | Roles |
|---|---|
| Allied Health | Allied Health Professional, Health Scientist, Sport Scientist |
| Health Management | Health Services Manager, Health Consultant |
| Public Health | Health Promoter, Health Policy Analyst |
| Research & Education | Research Assistant, Health Educator |
| Specialist Practice | Dental Technician, Naturopath, Clinical Specialist |
Entry Requirements
Academic: A NZQF-listed Bachelor's degree or higher in a health-related field with a minimum B average (EIT 11-point grading system). Applicants with a degree in a different field may be considered if they can supply evidence of work experience at degree level or above within a health-related field, subject to interview and/or submission of a portfolio. Completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science with a minimum B average also accepted.
English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band score lower than 6.0, achieved within the last two years. PTE Academic 58 with no band score lower than 50. International equivalents accepted by NZQA also considered.
Performance: Satisfactory academic progress required throughout. Entry with credit available at Level 8 only (maximum 120 credits including up to 90 unspecified credits). Applications for credit recognition should be made as part of the initial application.
