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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.

Pathways to a master's degree

  • MB ChB or BMedSc(Hons)
    Note: a 30 point paper in Research Methods may be recommended prior to thesis.
    • Thesis: 1 year full-tim or equivalent part-time
      • MMedSc
  • PGDipOMG or other approved PGDip to value of 120 points
    • Research Methods Paper (30 points)
      Note: Student may be excempt is able to demonstrate alternative qualification or relevant experience.
      • Thesis (120 points): 1 full-time or equivalent part time
        • MHealSc
    • Research Methods Paper (30 points) plus other approved papers to the value of 30 points
      • Dissertation (60 points): 1 semester full-time or 2 semesters part-time
        • MHealSc
    • Research Methods paper (30 points) plus other approved papers to the value of 60 points
      • Project (30 points): 1 semester
        • MHealSc

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:

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:

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:

Otago Medical School Dean's Office
Email dsm.adminassistant@otago.ac.nz

Further information on master's and PhD study

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 admin.obgypostgrad@otago.ac.nz

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