Course details

Summary

The Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) is an intensive integrated programme of study, usually completed in two calendar years of full time study, which offers a pathway to a nursing career. Graduates from any discipline will be considered for this qualification. Students will engage in clinically-focused, face-to-face and online, research-informed learning through the University of Otago, Christchurch, in partnership with healthcare providers in the South Island. Students will develop their knowledge and skills for practice through case-based scenarios, clinical simulation, extensive clinical experiences and research.

On successful completion of the MNSc students will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand. This unique and innovative degree is the first two year pathway to nursing registration through a Master's qualification approved by the New Zealand Nursing Council.

Programme Requirements

First year

• NURS 441 Professional Nursing
• NURS 442 Health Care in New Zealand
• NURS 443 Nursing Science 1
• NURS 444 Nursing Science 2
• NURS 445 Introduction to Clinical Nursing Practice
• NURS 446 Nursing Clients with Altered Health States
• NURS 447 Applied Nursing Research

Second year

• NURS 501 Nursing Science 3
• NURS 502 Mental Health Nursing
• NURS 503 Nursing Clients with Complex Health States
• NURS 504 Consolidation of Practice
• NURS 580 Nursing Research Project
• NURS 581 Integrating Practice

Entry criteria

• Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) on the advice of the Postgraduate Nursing Admissions Committee.
• Every applicant must: hold an undergraduate degree requiring at least three years of full-time study; or hold a bachelor's honours degree; or hold a bachelor's degree followed by a postgraduate diploma equivalent to a bachelor's honours degree from the awarding university; or hold a master's or doctoral degree. Applicants must have achieved a grade point average (GPA) of B or better in the final two years of the qualifying degree on which the application is based; must have provided a current curriculum vitae and a statement of interest.
• Selection of applicants who have met these criteria will be based on their GPA and a possible interview.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide certified results of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 7.0 in the academic version (with no individual component below 7.0).