The aim of this programme is to enable students to critically evaluate, and independently apply, highly specialised knowledge and skills within their specialist area. Students will be able to show critical awareness of issues within health and be at the forefront of knowledge development within their specialist area. The Master of Health Science, option A (by course work), also enables students to demonstrate mastery of their specialised area of practice or knowledge through the completion of a piece of literary work which is highly clinically focused. The Master of Health Science, option B (by thesis), enables students on graduation to also be able to provide leadership through research, and contribute to ongoing development in their area of practice. The target market is health professionals who would like to advance their knowledge and skills in independent research and who may consider an advanced level of scholarship through engaging in the future in PhD level study.

Graduates of the Master of Health Science will be able to:
1. analyse and apply advanced knowledge and research within their area of practice;
2. analyse complex health issues and generate solutions;
3. critically evaluate evidence within an interprofessional health context;
4. demonstrate mastery of specialised knowledge within their specialist area of practice.
5. demonstrate capacity for leadership through research and/or advanced scholarship within their specialist practice.
6. plan, execute and complete a piece of literary work or original research thereby contributing to ongoing development in their area of practice.

Graduates of these qualifications may seek enrolment in further postgraduate qualification programmes.

Academic Requirements
- Postgraduate Diploma in a health field (120 credits at level 8).

Alternative Requirements
- If you do not meet the Academic entry criteria above, you may be admitted to the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Practice, and upon successful completion of two courses (B average) from the list of approved courses for the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Practice, gain admission to the Master of Health Science;
or
- provide evidence of having completed a relevant professional qualification; and
- provide evidence of successful completion of a relevant qualification or programme of study which is equivalent to those of first degree graduates, through the submission of a portfolio of evidence.

Additional Requirements
Interview
Applicants who meet academic entry criteria may be required to attend an interview.

English Requirements
If English is not the applicant's first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart. Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact Ara for an assessment.
- IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in any subtest).

Note:
IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language skills.