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Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)

  • Masters (Coursework)

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.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Course Code
MNSc

About this course

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.

Entry requirements

  1. Applications must be made by the due dates specified as part of the Guidelines for Admission into the Health Sciences Professional Programmes published at www.otago.ac.nz/healthsciences. ("the Guidelines")
  2. Selection of eligible students for admission to the Master of Nursing Science programme shall be made by the Nursing Admissions Committee ("the Committee") whose terms of reference shall be established by the Division of Health Sciences and approved by the Senate.
  3. Subject to these regulations and the Selection Criteria established by the Committee and approved by Senate from time to time and published as part of the Guidelines, selection for admission shall be in the discretion of the Committee.
  4. Without limitation, the Selection Criteria may include:
    1. academic performance;
    2. demonstration of appropriate attributes for admission into the programme.
  5. The Division of Health Sciences' Te Kauae Paraoa policy promotes and facilitates equity for Maori students and students from other under-represented groups. In accordance with this policy, the Selection Criteria may provide for applicants in the following equity groups to be given preference for selection:
    • Maori
    • Resident Indigenous Pacific
    • Rural
    • Socioeconomic Equity
    • Refugee Background
  6. Recognition for inclusion in the Maori and Resident Indigenous Pacific equity groups shall be through demonstration of ancestry in accordance with the University's Ancestry Verification Procedures for Maori and Pacific Students and any other criteria the Senate may determine. Criteria for inclusion in the Rural, Socioeconomic Equity and Refugee Background equity groups shall be established by the Academic Board of the Division of Health Sciences and approved by the Senate. Criteria approved by the Senate shall be published as part of the Guidelines.
  7. Every applicant
    1. must hold an undergraduate degree requiring at least three years of fulltime study; or hold a bachelor's honours degree; or hold a bachelor's degree followed by a postgraduate diploma; or hold a master's or doctoral degree;
    2. Note: Applicants must have achieved a grade average of B or better in the final two years of the qualifying degree (except for a doctoral degree or a master's degree that is not graded) on which the application is based.

    3. must have provided a current curriculum vitae and a statement of interest.
  8. An applicant may be required to attend an interview.
  9. Notwithstanding any of the above provisions, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) shall have discretion to approve a recommendation from the Committee concerning any applicant who, not having satisfied these regulations in a particular aspect, in the Committee's view warrants admission to the programme for exceptional reasons.
  10. Any applicant who
    1. is, or who has been, the subject of criminal charges; or
    2. is, or who has been, subject to disciplinary proceedings of a tertiary institution or professional body; or
    3. has been found to have an issue (whether in connection with their mental or physical health, or their professional attributes or conduct, or otherwise) that compromises or is likely to compromise their fitness to practise; or
    4. is found to have failed to declare a matter covered by 1((j)(i)-(iii);
  11. may be declined admission to the programme by the Committee on the recommendation of the Health and Conduct Review Group. Any offer of admission made before responses to medical tests or requests for information regarding an applicant's health status or past conduct have been received is conditional on the information received confirming the applicant's suitability for admission.

  12. The number of candidates to be admitted to the first year of the programme will be determined by the number of places available for clinical teaching.

Study locations

Dunedin