Course details

Summary

Our MHSc provides the opportunity for health professionals to advance and expand their knowledge within an interdisciplinary learning environment.

Programme overview

If you are interested in a career where you can contribute to areas such as health services, health systems, clinical practice and research, the Master of Health Sciences is the ideal programme for you.

The MHSc equips you to take on leadership roles in the delivery of health services, systems or research.

Nutrition and Dietetics

Nutrition and Dietetics is a specialisation of the Master of Health Sciences designed to provide the specialised postgraduate training required to enable graduates to seek registration with the New Zealand Dietitians Board in order to practice as a Dietitian in New Zealand, and to provide safe, competent and responsible dietetic care in a variety of health settings. Dietetic care includes the provision of safe, enjoyable, nutritionally adequate and appropriate food and fluids to meet people’s nutritional needs.

Areas of study

This two year masters programme provides learning in applied nutrition, public health nutrition, food service management, and professional skills supported by practical skills developed through small group learning and 20 weeks of placement in a range of dietetic settings. Students will also complete a research thesis in order to provide a foundation for evidence-based practice and to enable further higher degree research to be undertaken.

What you will learn

Graduates of the MHSc in Nutrition and Dietetics will:

• Have core skills in patient-centred care, clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
• Be culturally aware, good communicators, empathic listeners and skilled educators.
• Be equipped with the skills to use lifelong learning and reflective practice to ensure their continued competency in dietetics.

Career opportunities

Completion of the Master of Health Sciences in Nutrition and Dietetics will enable graduates to seek registration with the New Zealand Dietitians Board in order to practice as a Dietitian in New Zealand.

Programme structure

You can choose between a Taught (120 and 240 points) and a Research Masters (120 and 240 points). If you have completed an undergraduate degree then you would normally enter a 240-point programme. If you have already completed a 120-point postgraduate qualification then you may be able to enter a 120-point programme.

Further study options

Doctor of Philosophy

Entry criteria

To be eligible to enter a 120 point: You need to have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, in health sciences or public health with a GPE of 5.0.

To be eligible to enter a 240 point: You need to have completed a relevant undergraduate degree, such as a degree in dentistry, health sciences, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, public health, optometry science, social sciences for public health, or social work.

English language requirements:
IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.