Nursing Science

Entry requirements

• 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 with 'B' average; 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.

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

February

Course content

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

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.