Regulations for the Degree of Master of Health Science (MHSc)

Candidates for the Degree must have
1. qualified for the award of a Bachelors degree of the University of Waikato, with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent; or
2. qualified for the award of a
  1. bachelor's degree with honours, of the University of Waikato, with at least second-class honours (second division) or
  2. Postgraduate Diploma, of the University of Waikato, with at least a B grade average, in a health-related field, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent; and
3. satisfied the prerequisites for postgraduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
In exceptional circumstances, based on academic merit or relevant experience, candidates who do not meet the requirements of Section 2 of these regulations may be considered for admission subject to the completion of any qualifying papers the Academic Board may prescribe which must be completed either prior to or concurrently.

The normal minimum period of enrolment for completion of the Degree for candidates admitted under Section 2(a) of these regulations is two academic years. The normal minimum period of enrolment for completion of the Degree for candidates admitted under Section 2(b) of the regulations is one academic year.
Candidates must enrol in the Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science and follow an approved programme of study.
Candidates who are admitted under Section 2(a) of these regulations must gain 240 points at 500 level. Candidates admitted under Section 2(b) of these regulations must complete 120 points at 500 level, including any compulsory papers prescribed in the Health Science Subject regulations.
Candidates must complete the paper prescribed for the Degree in the Health Science Subject regulations, including any compulsory papers.
Candidates must include:
1. a thesis equivalent to 120 points; or
2. a thesis equivalent to 90 points; or
3. a dissertation equivalent to 60 points; or
4. HLTSC508 and HLTSC509.
Candidates may take up to 30 points from outside the Health Science subject.
If a candidate fails a paper or papers (worth not more than 30 points in total), they may repeat the paper or papers or take an alternative paper or papers with the same total points value on one occasion only. A candidate who fails a paper or papers worth more than 30 points in total will not be permitted to proceed with the Degree.

The University will appoint two examiners for the candidate's thesis; one examiner external to the University and active in the research field of the thesis; and one examiner internal to the University, with a good grounding in the research field, who is not directly connected to the candidate, or the candidate’s thesis research or supervision.

The Degree may be awarded with:
1. First Class Honours; or
2. Second Class Honours (first division); or
3. Second Class Honours (second division);
  or without honours.
Candidates who fail a paper will not be eligible for the award of honours.
Except with the approval of the Academic Board, the level of honours will be calculated on the basis of the grades for all of the papers completed for the Degree.
In order to be eligible for consideration for the award of honours, the requirements of the Degree must be completed in not more than 24 consecutive months of full-time study, or, in the case of part-time study, an equivalent period not exceeding four calendar years, from the date of first enrolment in the Degree.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Division or delegated authority may vary or waive these regulations in individual cases.

You’re viewing this website as an international visitor