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)
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.
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
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (MAdvNP)
Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (MAdvNP)
Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)
A one- or two-year postgraduate degree encompassing coursework and/or research in a chosen area of specialisation
Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)
A pathway to nursing registration for graduates of any discipline, completed in two years of intensive full-time integrated study, or part-time over a longer pe...
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc)
A one-year part-time (or one semester full-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| First year | NURS 441 Professional Nursing | 15 |
| NURS 442 Health Care in New Zealand | 15 | |
| NURS 443 Nursing Science 1 | 15 | |
| NURS 444 Nursing Science 2 | 15 | |
| NURS 445 Introduction to Clinical Nursing Practice | 15 | |
| NURS 446 Nursing Clients with Altered Health States | 15 | |
| NURS 447 Applied Nursing Research | 30 | |
| Second year | NURS 501 Nursing Science 3 | 15 |
| NURS 502 Mental Health Nursing | 15 | |
| NURS 503 Nursing Clients with Complex Health States | 15 | |
| NURS 504 Consolidation of Practice | 30 | |
| NURS 581 Integrating Practice | 15 | |
| NURS 582 Policy Analysis | 30 | |
| Note: With the permission of the Head of Department a student may replace NURS 582 with NURS 580 Research Project | ||
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
NURS papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NURS403 | 2025 | Mental Health Nursing Practice | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| NURS404 | 2025 | Advanced Mental Health Nursing Practice | 30 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| NURS405 | 2025 | Health Assessment and Advanced Nursing Practice | 30 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| NURS409 | 2025 | Mental Health Nursing Practicum | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS411 | 2025 | Nursing - Critical Care & High Acuity | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS413 | 2025 | Primary Health Care Nursing - Rural/Urban | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS415 | 2025 | Nursing Research Methods | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| NURS416 | 2025 | Nursing - Applied Pharmacology | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS418 | 2025 | Nursing Education - Principles and Practice | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS423 | 2025 | Leadership and Management: Growing an Identity | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| NURS424 | 2025 | Leadership and Management: Quality & Strategic Change | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS426 | 2025 | Nursing - Gerontology | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS427 | 2025 | Long-term Conditions: Pathophysiology and Management | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| NURS429 | 2025 | Therapeutics for Advanced Nursing | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS433 | 2025 | Intellectual Disability: Theory into Practice | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| NURS434 | 2025 | Therapeutics: Knowledge and Integration | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| NURS435 | 2025 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| NURS441 | 2025 | Professional Nursing | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 5 December 2025) |
| NURS442 | 2025 | Health Care in New Zealand | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 5 December 2025) |
| NURS443 | 2025 | Nursing Science 1 | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 18 July 2025) |
| NURS444 | 2025 | Nursing Science 2 | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (4 August 2025 - 5 December 2025) |
| NURS445 | 2025 | Introduction to Clinical Nursing Practice | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 18 July 2025) |
| NURS446 | 2025 | Nursing Clients with Altered Health States | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (4 August 2025 - 5 December 2025) |
| NURS447 | 2025 | Applied Nursing Research | 30 points | 1st Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 5 December 2025) |
| NURS471 | 2025 | Special Topic | 30 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| NURS472 | 2025 | Special Topic | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS501 | 2025 | Nursing Science 3 | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (20 January 2025 - 16 May 2025) |
| NURS502 | 2025 | Mental Health Nursing | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (20 January 2025 - 16 May 2025) |
| NURS503 | 2025 | Nursing Clients with Complex Health States | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (20 January 2025 - 16 May 2025) |
| NURS504 | 2025 | Consolidation of Practice | 30 points | 1st Non standard period (2 June 2025 - 7 November 2025) |
| NURS530 | 2025 | Nurse Practitioner Prescribing Practicum | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NURS531 | 2025 | Clinical Research Project | 30 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| NURS580 | 2025 | Nursing Research Project | 30 points | 1st Non standard period (20 January 2025 - 7 November 2025) |
| NURS581 | 2025 | Integration of Nursing Theory and Practice | 15 points | 1st Non standard period (2 June 2025 - 7 November 2025) |
| NURS582 | 2025 | Policy Analysis | 30 points | 1st Non standard period (20 January 2025 - 7 November 2025) |
| NURS590 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, 1st Non standard period (6 January 2025 - 19 December 2025) |
| NURS5P | 2025 | Clinical Research Practicum | 120 points | Thesis full year |
Contacts
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
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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