Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Master of Public Health – MPH
Gain invaluable skills
With the Master of Public Health, you will be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of the public health research literature. You’ll undertake collaborative research and practice within interdisciplinary and intersectoral environments.
Follow your research interests
The qualification emphasises applied research and practical experience. You will be able to conduct research relevant to your public health work, interests and experiences. You will build on the knowledge gained through your Postgraduate Diploma of Public Health.
Transfer your learning to your workplace
You will learn to reason and act independently as a professional working in public health and contribute to policy development at local and national levels. You’ll engage with public health knowledge through scholarly inquiry and publication and apply your cutting-edge knowledge to solving public health challenges.
You will receive a high-quality, comprehensive education and training in public health. This will benefit you, your employer, and the health of New Zealanders in general.
Further study
If you complete the research pathway you may choose to progress to a PhD.
A MPH is a good fit if you:
- are a professional wanting a solid grounding in public health
- already work in public health and want to further your career
- are looking for professional development.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Public Health, you will have:
- been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with a minimum grade average of B-, or equivalent; or
- been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or other relevant discipline, and have relevant professional experience, or equivalent; or
- been awarded or qualified for a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health with a minimum grade average of B-, or equivalent.
Documents you will need to supply to support your application
- copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
- a CV is required if applying on the basis of a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant professional experience.
English language requirements
To study this qualification, you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits for completing postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete them within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate, read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. To find out more, go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations.
In some cases, the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so it may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications, go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Master of Public Health
This is a parts-based qualification. That means you need to achieve at a certain level to progress from Part One to Part Two.
For the Master of Public Health, a minimum grade average of B- is required to progress to Part Two.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
240 credits
- Part One compulsory courses – 120 credits
- Part Two elective courses from the Schedule – 30‑60 credits
- Part Two praxis or thesis – 60‑90 credits
Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements may be able to complete this degree in 120 or 180 credits.
There are regulations around completing Part One before progressing to Part Two.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Part One
Compulsory courses (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 231704 Hauora Māori 30 credits
This course provides an overview and analysis of hauora Māori perspectives. Historical and contemporary contexts and challenges are used to discuss Māori approaches in public health, with reference to Māori knowledge and Māori leadership. The course focuses on developing critical consciousness for becoming advocates and champions for Māori health through Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231725 Foundations of Public Health 15 credits
This course presents the overarching framework, principles and core functions of public health in Aotearoa New Zealand. It utilises a multidisciplinary lens to investigate the key determinants of health status across population groups in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. The course provides the necessary foundation for students to engage in advanced approaches essential for public health practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231726 Health Systems and Policy 15 credits
This course uses systems thinking approaches to examine and compare the Aotearoa New Zealand health system within the international context, how it is structured and operates, and how this impacts on public health responses. Health policy and public health advocacy is examined as an instrument to enhance the health system and broader responses to major public health challenges.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231727 Epidemiology and Biostatistics 30 credits
An exploration of the core principles and practice of epidemiology and biostatistics in assessing and responding to population health need. Students will learn the skills necessary to analyse and interpret data, disseminate information, and critically appraise quantitative literature. The focus of the course is on the application of epidemiology and biostatistics for policy development and decision-making across the health system.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231728 Public Health Practice 15 credits
This course aims to provide students with the conceptual, analytical and strategic planning basis for effective public health practice. The course focuses on the theory and practice of designing, developing, implementing and evaluating practice. It draws upon analysis of determinants, stakeholders, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led and community development approaches, and intervention research.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231729 Qualitative and Participatory Research in Public Health 15 credits
This course provides a foundation in qualitative and participatory research methodologies, and the different approaches to knowledge that inform qualitative and participatory research. Students will develop competencies in qualitative and participatory research processes including design, data collection, analysis, dissemination, and critique of existing literature. The course foregrounds social, cultural, political and ethical considerations in the practice of public health research.
View full course detailsElective courses (Choose no more than 60 credits from)
Course code: 115764 Leadership and Teamwork 15 credits
Applied and experiential study of leading and working in teams, and the interpersonal communication skills required to be successful.
View full course detailsCourse code: 130705 Emergency Management 30 credits
An examination of the social, psychological, community and organisational aspects of disaster management in New Zealand. Emphasis is on the development and implementation of an all-hazards, comprehensive and integrated approach to emergency management. Selected readings and case studies will be used to facilitate the development of an effective response to social, psychological, community and organisational issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 131704 Sustainable Development 30 credits
A course concerned with the concept of sustainable development in all its dimensions (economic, social and environmental), focused on the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Conceptual lenses, including Indigenous understandings of sustainability and the sustainable livelihoods framework, are also discussed.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150701 Tino Rangatiratanga: Strategic Māori Development 30 credits
Strategies for Māori advancement are examined within a Māori development framework. Barriers to development and the facilitation of positive development are explored using criteria relevant to indigenous self-determination. There is a focus on land, fisheries, social policy, health, Treaty settlements and opportunities for positive development.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150702 Pae Ora: Māori Health Advancement 30 credits
Strategies for the advancement of Māori health will be explored with a particular focus on health planning, national Māori health related strategies, health funding, the delivery of health services, and the link between Māori health strategies and positive Māori development.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231707 Environmental Health 30 credits
Critical reviews or applied research on advanced topics in Environmental Health.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231733 Big Public Health Issues 15 credits
This course critically examines the big public health issues globally using an analytical framework and case study approach that considers burden of disease, epidemiology, determinant analysis, health and other system responses and evidence of intervention effectiveness. Issues and case studies covered include major infectious diseases, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, injury prevention and mental health.
View full course detailsCourse code: 250703 Health Communication 15 credits
This course examines the primary factors that influence the effective communication and adoption of positive health behaviours by individuals and communities. Students will review: micro and macro-level theories of health communication; audience engagement and persuasion; the impact of evolving public attitudes to health knowledge; innovative methods for health communication.
View full course detailsPart Two
Option A (Choose 60 credits from)
Course code: 231818 Public Health Praxis 1 30 credits
A capstone practicum in the public health environment involving supervised and team-based work on defined and contemporary public health issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231819 Public Health Praxis 2 30 credits
An integrative capstone practicum in the public health environment involving supervised and team-based work on defined complex contemporary public health issues.
View full course details60 credits of elective courses from Part One
Option B (Choose 90 credits from)
Course code: 231818 Public Health Praxis 1 30 credits
A capstone practicum in the public health environment involving supervised and team-based work on defined and contemporary public health issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 250817 Research Report 60 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.
View full course details30 credits of elective courses from Part One
Option C (Choose 120 credits from)
Course code: 231818 Public Health Praxis 1 30 credits
A capstone practicum in the public health environment involving supervised and team-based work on defined and contemporary public health issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231821 Public Health Thesis 90 Pt 1 45 credits
A supervised and guided independent study designed to lead to a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231822 Public Health Thesis 90 Pt 2 45 credits
A supervised and guided independent study designed to lead to a published work.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees, and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help pay fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Cat Pausé Postgraduate Scholarship
- HOPE Foundation Scholarship for Research on Ageing
- Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
- Pacific Health Scholarships
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Public Health contribute to public health policy development at local and national levels, contribute to public health knowledge through scholarly inquiry and publication, and demonstrate competence in planning and conducting research in public health.
Our graduates have found work in the health sector and broader government and community sectors. These include:
- health promotion
- health protection
- policy advisors and analysts in the government sector
- health sector analysts in public health units and non-government organisations
- programme coordinators and evaluators
- upskilling for health professionals
- health community workers
- public health research and teaching.
Many of our graduates go on to an academic career in teaching and research.
What our students say
“As a full-time employed student, I can work through Massey's excellent online programme but still have access to outstanding resources, lecturers and my peer group. Almost everything is applicable to my work – I can practice as I go. Massey was an easy choice – a flexible, high standard education.”
“My degree was a pathway into hauora Māori after a career in animal health and farming. My thesis is about Tāne ora, the wellbeing of Māori men. If strategy, policy and high-level problem solving in health and the social sector is up your ally, the MPH would be a great qualification to consider.”
Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Accreditations
APHEA Validated Curriculum
The Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA) has validated Massey's Master of Public Health as adhering to international standards for a modern comprehensive degree in public health.
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Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz