Medical Science

Entry requirements

Every applicant, shall normally be required to satisfy all of the following: be a graduate in a health-related field or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years of full-time tertiary study; have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or equivalent with grades averaging B or better; have completed 30 points of research methods at NZQF Level 8 with a grade (or average grade if more than one paper is used to complete the 30 points) of B+ or better; and provide evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.

Applicants for admission where non-standard research methods requirements apply shall normally be required to satisfy all of the following: be a graduate in a health-related field or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years of full-time tertiary study; have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or equivalent with grades averaging B+ or better; and provide evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

The MMedSc degree is a one-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) research degree involving a supervised investigation in a branch of medical science. A candidate shall normally follow a programme of study for the equivalent of not less than one year of full-time study and not more than two years of full-time study. Exceptions shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).

Applicants for the degree of Master of Medical Science (MMedSc) must hold a Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours (BMedSc(Hons) or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) or an alternate qualification acceptable to the Otago Medical School Academic Board, normally another medical degree (e.g. MBBS) and be eligible for University study in New Zealand. Applicants should check their eligibility for admission with the Manager of the Otago Medical School. If eligible, applicants should then approach a department of the Otago Medical School (i.e. from the University of Otago Wellington, the University of Otago Christchurch, the Dunedin School of Medicine or the School of Biomedical Sciences) in order to discuss their proposed topic and to secure supervisors and a supporting department.

This course is available at Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington campuses.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Students are eligible for the Otago International Excellence Scholarship.