University of Waikato

What you'll study

The Master of Health Science combines advanced coursework with a substantial research component; students can typically choose a thesis-intensive pathway or a coursework-plus-research-project pathway depending on their career and study goals. Core themes covered include research design and methods, biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy and systems, health promotion and disease prevention, and kaupapa Māori and Indigenous health perspectives.

• Research methods and statistics: quantitative and qualitative methods, study design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Epidemiology and population health: patterns of disease, determinants of health, surveillance and applied epidemiological methods.
• Health policy and systems: health service organisation, policy development, health economics and evaluation approaches.
• Health promotion and prevention: behaviour change, community-based interventions, programme planning and evaluation.
• Maori and Indigenous health: principles of tikanga and kawa in health research, Indigenous models of wellbeing and culturally responsive practice.
• Specialist topics: depending on supervision and electives, students may study environmental health, occupational health, nutrition, digital health, or global health.

Assessment is a mix of assignments, literature reviews, presentations and a major research thesis or project that demonstrates the student’s ability to plan, conduct and report independent research relevant to health practice or policy.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a strong academic record or a postgraduate diploma in health-related study. Candidates for the research thesis pathway should demonstrate research potential through prior coursework, a research project or relevant professional experience. International applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements.

Admission typically requires a statement of intent outlining the proposed area of study, a curriculum vitae, and academic references; some applicants will be asked to nominate a potential supervisor and provide a brief research proposal for the thesis option. Professional experience in health services or community health can strengthen an application, particularly for coursework-oriented pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Health Science work across a broad range of roles in the health sector. Typical career paths include:

• Public health practitioner or epidemiologist in government health agencies and regional health services.
• Health policy analyst or programme evaluator for central or local government, NGOs and charities.
• Health promotion and community development roles in public, tribal and non-governmental organisations.
• Research assistant or project leader in academic, clinical or industry research teams, and progression to doctoral study (PhD).
• Managerial and planning roles in health services, primary care organisations and Māori health providers.

Why study at University of Waikato

The University of Waikato offers an interdisciplinary and research-led environment with supervisors experienced in public health, health systems and Indigenous health research. Students benefit from strong regional partnerships with local health providers and district health boards, offering opportunities for applied projects and community-engaged research. The programme’s emphasis on kaupapa Māori approaches and culturally responsive methods reflects Waikato’s commitment to Indigenous health research and practice.

Flexible study options, supportive postgraduate supervision, and access to university research facilities and statistical support services make Waikato a practical choice for students who want to develop applied research skills and pursue careers that influence health outcomes at community and system levels.