Master's study in Women's Health
Why do a master's degree?
- Expand your knowledge and research experience
- Critically appraise the evidence that underpins our practice of medicine
- Undertake further research into those unanswered questions raised in your medical practice
- Open doors to a possible future in academic medicine, research, and/or tertiary teaching
The University of Otago has two masters' programmes available for those with an interest in women's health: The Master of Medical Science (MMedSc), and the Master of Health Science (MHealSc). Many papers are distance-taught, including Research Methods.
A Master's thesis dissertation or project may be available with distance supervision on a case-by-case basis.
Postgraduate research is often a College requirement. This research experience may also spark a deeper interest and provide further opportunities for involvement in research, teaching, and academic medicine.
If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and wish to undertake a master's degree while living overseas, please contact us about the study options available.
Master of Medical Science (MMedSc)
Candidates for the MMedSc must have previously graduated with an MB ChB or BMedSc(Hons) degree.
The MMedSc requires successful completion of a thesis. A research methods paper is recommended if candidates do not have research experience.
Master of Health Science (MHealSc)
The MHealSc can be completed through any one of a range of pathways. This provides more flexibility and feasibility to the Master's degree, depending on the amount of research the candidate wishes to undertake.
The research options include a successful completion of a thesis, a dissertation, or a project.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Medical Gynaecology (PGDipOMG) or other approved postgraduate diploma may qualify as 120 points towards the MHealSc. A research methods paper will be required unless the candidate is granted exemption based on prior research training.
There is a wide range of health science papers potentially available to complete the other points required. In addition, papers from other areas such as gender studies or nutrition, may be available.
The choice and combination of papers will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Locations
Supervisors with a wide range of interests and expertise in women's health are available at the University of Otago.
Study can be undertaken in the following departments:
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (Otago Medical School)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (University of Otago, Christchurch)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women's Health (University of Otago, Wellington)
Many papers are distance-taught, including research methods. A master's thesis dissertation or project may be available with distance supervision on a case-by-case basis.
If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and wish to undertake a master's degree while living overseas, please contact us about the study options available.
PhD study in women's health
A PhD requires three years' full-time equivalent research study to complete a thesis. Study towards a PhD is usually part-time, and therefore takes longer than three years.
Study can be undertaken in the following departments:
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (Otago Medical School)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (University of Otago, Christchurch)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women's Health (University of Otago, Wellington)
Scholarships
A number of postgraduate scholarships are available:
- Dunbar Scholarship
- Emily Johnston Scholarship for Research in the Science and Art of Clinical Medicine
- Frances G Cotter Scholarship for Research in Medicine
- Lady King Scholarship
For more details and to apply for the above scholarships, please contact the Otago Medical School Dean's Office (email dsm.adminassistant@otago.ac.nz)
- RANZCOG scholarships (RANZCOG website)
- University of Otago scholarships (University of Otago website)
- Postgraduate Scholarship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (email og.admin@otago.ac.nz)
Further information on master's and PhD study
The Postgraduate Programmes in Women's Health pamphlet (PDF) provides further information on master's and PhD study in women's health.
For MMedSc
Manager
Otago Medical School
Tel +64 3 479 5057
Email otagomedicalschool@otago.ac.nz
For MHealSc
Postgraduate Programmes Administrator
Division of Health Sciences
Tel +64 3 479 7421
Email postgrad-healthsciences@otago.ac.nz
For PGDipOMG
Amanda Phillips
Distance Learning Coordinator
Department of Women's and Children's Health
Tel +64 3 470 9688
Email wch.distancelearning@otago.ac.nz