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Study Nursing at Otago

The Department of Nursing at the University of Otago, Christchurch is ranked in the top 100 nursing schools in the world*.

We specialise in training registered nurses, and also graduates from any background who wish to pursue a career in nursing.

*(QS rating, 2022, under former name Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies)

Want to begin a career in nursing?

For those looking to begin a nursing career we offer the Master of Nursing Science – a full-time graduate entry programme that provides an intensive pathway to the nursing profession in two years.

Further training for registered nurses

As a student in the Department you will undertake programmes that are relevant to your clinical practice and allow you to make a contribution to the profession and to improving health outcomes for the population.

For registered nurses wishing to advance their practice we offer clinically focused postgraduate certificates and diplomas, and masters’ and PhD qualifications.

On-campus study blocks and online learning

We recognise that as health practitioners you need to balance your academic and professional commitments so offer on-campus study blocks supported by online learning and access to student support services.

Details of the programmes and qualifications

Department of Nursing at University of Otago, Christchurch

Contact details

For enquiries related to admission and enrolment

Co-ordinator, Student Experience
University of Otago, Christchurch
Email postgrad.uoc@otago.ac.nz

For all other queries

Email nursingstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz

Papers

See the full list of Nursing (NURS) papers.

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Programme requirements

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) endorsed in Nursing

Papers
  • Two approved papers in Nursing

  • Approved research methods paper(s) to the value of 30 points

  • Other approved paper(s) to the value of 30 points

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) endorsed in Nursing is available through Distance Learning.

Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) endorsed in Nursing

Papers
  • Two approved NURS papers
  • Approved research methods paper(s) to the value of 30 points
  • Further approved paper(s) to the value of 30 points
  • A thesis (120 points)

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) endorsed in Nursing is available through Distance Learning.

Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (MAdvNP)

Papers
  • NURS 405 Health Assessment and Advanced Nursing Practice (30 points)
  • NURS 416 Health Care in New Zealand (30 points)
  • further approved papers to the value of 120 points at Level 8
  • NURS 530 Nurse Practitioner Prescribing Practicum (30 points)
  • NURS 531 Clinical Research Project (30 points)

Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)

Level Papers Points
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

15

15

15

15

15

15

30

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

15

15

15

30

30

15