Health Science Subject regulations
Health Science is available as a subject in the Postgraduate Certificate of Health Science (PGCertHSc), Postgraduate Diploma of Health Science (PGDipHSc), and Master of Health Science (MHSc).
Other qualifications
Prescriptions for:
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PGCertHSc To complete a Postgraduate Certificate of Health Science (PGCertHSc) students must complete 60 points at 500 level from the papers listed below.
Students do not have to follow a listed pathway; however, the following pathways are available.
Gerontology pathway
Students should complete 60 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501 and HLTSC531.
Mental Health pathway
Students should complete 60 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501 and HLTSC520.
Primary Care pathway
Students should complete 60 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501 and HLTSC561.
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PGDipHSc and MHSc To complete a Postgraduate Diploma of Health Science (PGDipHSc) students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including 90 points from the papers listed below.
To complete a Master of Health Science (MHSc) students must complete 240 points at 500 level, including 210 points from the papers listed below. Students must include HLTSC592, HLTSC593, HLTSC594, or HLTSC508 and HLTSC509.
Students do not have to follow a designated pathway; however, the following pathways are available.
Child Health pathway
For a PGDipHSc, students should complete 120 points at 500 level, including HLTSC545, HLTSC546 and HLTSC503.
For a MHSc, students should complete 240 points at 500 level from either: HLTSC580 and HLTSC592, HLTSC580 and HLTSC593, or HLTSC594. Included should also be the papers listed for the PGDipHSc. HLTSC504 is recommended for this pathway.
Clinical pathway
For a PGDipHSc, students should complete 120 points at 500 level including HLTSC501, HLTSC502.
For a MHSc, students should complete 240 points at 500 level from either: HLTSC580 and HLTSC592, HLTSC580 and HLTSC593, or HLTSC594. Included should also be the papers listed for the PGDipHSc. HLTSC504 is recommended for this pathway.
Registered Nurse Prescriber pathway
For a PGDipHSc, students should complete 120 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501, HLTSC502, HLTSC508 and HLTSC507.
Education pathway
For a PGDipHSc, students should complete 120 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501, HLTSC502, HLTSC540 and HLTSC541.
For a MHSc, students should complete 240 points at 500 level, including either: HLTSC580 and HLTSC592, HLTSC580 and HLTSC593, or HLTSC594. Included should also be the papers listed for the PGDipHSc.
Gerontology pathway
For a PGDipHSc, students should complete 120 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501, HLTSC530, HLTSC531 and HLTSC532.
For a MHSc, students should complete 240 points at 500 level from either: HLTSC580 and HLTSC592, HLTSC580 and HLTSC593, or HLTSC594. Included should also be the papers listed for the PGDipHSc. HLTSC504 is recommended for this pathway.
Leadership and Health Management pathway
For a PGDipHSc, students should complete 120 points at 500 level, including HLTSC570, HLTSC571, HLTSC572 and HLTSC573.
For a MHSc, students should complete 240 points at 500 level from either: HLTSC580 and HLTSC592, HLTSC580 and HLTSC593, or HLTSC594. Included should also be the papers listed for the PGDipHSc. HLTSC504 is recommended for this pathway.
Māori, Pacific and Indigenous pathway
For a PGDipHSc, students should complete 120 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501, HLTSC502, HLTSC550 and HLTSC551.
For a MHSc, students should complete 240 points at 500 level from either: HLTSC580 and HLTSC592, HLTSC580 and HLTSC593, or HLTSC594. Included should also be the papers listed for the PGDipHSc. HLTSC504 is recommended for this pathway.
Mental Health pathway
For a PGDipHSc, students should complete 120 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501, HLTSC520, HLTSC521 and HLTSC562.
For a MHSc, students should complete 240 points at 500 level from either: HLTSC580 and HLTSC592, HLTSC580 and HLTSC593, or HLTSC594. Included should also be the papers listed for the PGDipHSc. HLTSC504 is recommended for this pathway.
Nurse Practitioner pathway
For a MHSc, students should complete 240 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501, HLTSC502, HLTSC503, HLTSC507, HLTSC508, HLTSC509 and HLTSC510.
Primary, Community and Rural pathway
For a PGDipHSc, students should complete 120 points at 500 level, including HLTSC501, HLTSC560, HLTSC561 and HLTSC562.
For a MHSc, students should complete 240 points at 500 level from either: HLTSC580 and HLTSC592, HLTSC580 and HLTSC593, or HLTSC594. Included should also be the papers listed for the PGDipHSc. HLTSC504 is recommended for this pathway.
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PhD The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
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DHSc The Doctor of Health Science is a three-year full-time or six-year part-time professional doctorate in health science for experienced health practitioners who have a strong academic record and who want to develop their profession through research. Students in this programme complete guided coursework and a thesis. This thesis critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, and displays intellectual independence. It makes a substantial original contribution to the research area and is of publishable quality.
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MPhil The [Master of Philosophy] (https://www.waikato.ac.nz/about/calendar/regulations/higher/mphil/) is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
Health Science papers
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
HLTSC501
Health Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making for Registered Nurses
This paper extends the knowledge gained from undergraduate Health Assessment for nurses, to enable registered nurses to autonomously practice health... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC502
Applied Science
This paper extends the undergraduate understanding of pathophysiology and to inform knowledge and clinical judgement when assessing health needs and... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC503
Specialty Knowledge in Nursing Practice
This paper builds on foundational knowledge of assessment and clinical decision making to provide students with the opportunity to explore knowledge... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC506
Special Project
This paper will allow students to pursue an individual programme of study in areas where there are not sufficient numbers to make up a class cohort... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC507
Pharmacological Therapy
This paper will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of commonly used pharmacological agents. It will also explore pharmacological... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC508
Registered Nurse Prescribing Practicum
This paper provides the student with structured clinical experiences in prescribing practice. This includes clinical assessment and diagnostic... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC509
Advanced Clinical Practicum
This paper is designed to prepare nurses for advance practice clinical roles including that of Nurse practitioner. Completion of this paper will... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC510
Advanced Practice Role Development
This is a self-paced course with two outputs, an analysis of an advanced practice clinical role and a business case for that advanced practice role... |
30 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC511
Mātanga Tapuhi (Nurse Practitioner) Prescribing Practicum
This paper provides the student with structured clinical experiences in prescribing practice. This includes clinical assessment and diagnostic... |
30 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC512
New Entry To Practice: Clinical Reasoning and Population Responsiveness
This paper is delivered by Te Whatu Ora – Waikato. HLTSC512 has been established to provide credit for when students enrol in postgraduate study at... |
30 | 25A (Block) & 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC520
Mental Health Nursing Practice
This paper provides an introduction to the clinical specialty of mental health nursing for nurses new to mental health. The practice builds on... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC521
Psychological Therapies
This paper will explore foundational learning in the theory and practice of psychological interventions in health care. Students will be supported to... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC530
Gerontological Studies
Gerontological studies explores the social, psychological, economic and biological basis for ageing. Recent developments within Gerontology and... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC531
Biological Ageing
The paper systematically addresses anatomical and physiological changes in the ageing mammal and relates these changes to the current beliefs and... |
30 | No occurrences |
|
HLTSC532
Palliative Care
Excellence in symptom control can go a long way to relieving suffering. However, it is often the more contextual or psychological issues that cause... |
30 | No occurrences |
|
HLTSC533
Death and Dying
This paper is designed to meet the needs of health professionals engaged in the care of terminally ill patients who wish to increase their... |
30 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC534
Health Leadership
This paper enables students to position health leadership within the current and future context of health delivery both in New Zealand and... |
30 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC535
Managing People in the Health Sector
This paper is aimed at health professionals and others working in the health sector. The paper will provide students with a set of tools to manage... |
30 | No occurrences |
|
HLTSC537
Leading and Managing Innovation in Health
The development of knowledge and skills to lead and manage innovation in health is critical as practitioners strive to improve health outcomes for... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC540
Education and Development for Practice
This paper equips health professionals to facilitate learning and application of knowledge to practice using contemporary evidenced based education... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC541
Supervision and Mentorship
This paper introduces students to the roles of supervision and mentorship in professional practice. Students will be engaged in supervision and / or... |
30 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC545
Child Health Assessment
This paper extends nurses' knowledge of health assessment for children and young people enabling students to complete a comprehensive health... |
30 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC546
The Biological Basis for Child Health
Explores and deepens understanding of the antecedents to and pathophysiology of disease in children. It provides the scientific rationale that... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC550
Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Professional Health Practice
This paper builds on foundational knowledge of Māori, Pacific and indigenous perspectives of health to provide students with the opportunity to... |
30 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC551
Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Health Leadership
This paper builds on knowledge from HLTSC 550 to provide the opportunity for students to explore leadership from Māori, Pacific and indigenous... |
30 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC561
Primary Healthcare Practice
This paper provides primary care registered nurses with the knowledge, skill and nursing judgement to provide care and support for people to manage... |
30 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC592
Health Science Dissertation
This 60-point research project provides the research component of the honours or the Masters degree. |
60 | 25X (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC593
Health Science Thesis
The 90-point thesis is an individual scholarly piece of work of 30,000 words which uses research methodology to systematically investigate a health... |
90 | 25I (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) |
|
HLTSC594
Health Science Thesis
The thesis is an individual scholarly piece of work of 40,000 words which uses research methodology to systematically investigate a health issue. |
120 | 25I (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
HLTSC800
Health Science MPhil Thesis
|
120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
HLTSC900
Health Science PhD Thesis
The doctoral thesis is an individual scholarly piece of work of 80,000 to 100,000 words which uses research methodology to systematically investigate... |
120 | 25I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) |
-
HLTSC501 Health Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making for Registered Nurses
This paper extends the knowledge gained from undergraduate Health Assessment for nurses, to enable registered nurses to autonomously practice health...
Points 30This paper extends the undergraduate understanding of pathophysiology and to inform knowledge and clinical judgement when assessing health needs and...
Points 30This paper builds on foundational knowledge of assessment and clinical decision making to provide students with the opportunity to explore knowledge...
Points 30This paper will allow students to pursue an individual programme of study in areas where there are not sufficient numbers to make up a class cohort...
Points 30This paper will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of commonly used pharmacological agents. It will also explore pharmacological...
Points 30This paper provides the student with structured clinical experiences in prescribing practice. This includes clinical assessment and diagnostic...
Points 30This paper is designed to prepare nurses for advance practice clinical roles including that of Nurse practitioner. Completion of this paper will...
Points 30This is a self-paced course with two outputs, an analysis of an advanced practice clinical role and a business case for that advanced practice role...
Points 30This paper provides the student with structured clinical experiences in prescribing practice. This includes clinical assessment and diagnostic...
Points 30This paper is delivered by Te Whatu Ora – Waikato. HLTSC512 has been established to provide credit for when students enrol in postgraduate study at...
Points 30This paper provides an introduction to the clinical specialty of mental health nursing for nurses new to mental health. The practice builds on...
Points 30This paper will explore foundational learning in the theory and practice of psychological interventions in health care. Students will be supported to...
Points 30Gerontological studies explores the social, psychological, economic and biological basis for ageing. Recent developments within Gerontology and...
Points 30The paper systematically addresses anatomical and physiological changes in the ageing mammal and relates these changes to the current beliefs and...
Points 30Excellence in symptom control can go a long way to relieving suffering. However, it is often the more contextual or psychological issues that cause...
Points 30This paper is designed to meet the needs of health professionals engaged in the care of terminally ill patients who wish to increase their...
Points 30This paper enables students to position health leadership within the current and future context of health delivery both in New Zealand and...
Points 30This paper is aimed at health professionals and others working in the health sector. The paper will provide students with a set of tools to manage...
Points 30The development of knowledge and skills to lead and manage innovation in health is critical as practitioners strive to improve health outcomes for...
Points 30This paper equips health professionals to facilitate learning and application of knowledge to practice using contemporary evidenced based education...
Points 30This paper introduces students to the roles of supervision and mentorship in professional practice. Students will be engaged in supervision and / or...
Points 30This paper extends nurses' knowledge of health assessment for children and young people enabling students to complete a comprehensive health...
Points 30Explores and deepens understanding of the antecedents to and pathophysiology of disease in children. It provides the scientific rationale that...
Points 30This paper builds on foundational knowledge of Māori, Pacific and indigenous perspectives of health to provide students with the opportunity to...
Points 30This paper builds on knowledge from HLTSC 550 to provide the opportunity for students to explore leadership from Māori, Pacific and indigenous...
Points 30This paper provides primary care registered nurses with the knowledge, skill and nursing judgement to provide care and support for people to manage...
Points 30This 60-point research project provides the research component of the honours or the Masters degree.
Points 60The 90-point thesis is an individual scholarly piece of work of 30,000 words which uses research methodology to systematically investigate a health...
Points 90The thesis is an individual scholarly piece of work of 40,000 words which uses research methodology to systematically investigate a health issue.
Points 120 -
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HLTSC900 Health Science PhD Thesis
The doctoral thesis is an individual scholarly piece of work of 80,000 to 100,000 words which uses research methodology to systematically investigate...
Points 120
2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 26 Apr 2025 01:00am