Master of Health Sciences - Health Behaviour Change
Behaviours which may be injurious to health are widespread in our society – smoking, hazardous drinking, inadequate diet, lack of exercise – and many chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, require lifestyle behaviour change as part of their management. Changing such behaviours can be difficult, requiring time and considerable effort and motivation.
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style for strengthening a person’s own motivation and commitment for change. Research shows that with appropriate training, MI may be used by various health workers to facilitate change of addictive and unhealthy behaviours. The health behaviour change programme has the potential to strengthen significantly the health workforce skill base needed to address several objectives of Aotearoa New Zealand Health and Disability strategies.
The Health Behaviour Change endorsement of the Postgraduate Diploma of Health Sciences, the Master of Health Sciences, and the Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice will prepare students so that they can be employable and/or provide leadership in Health Behaviour Change within Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Campus Information
Ilam Campus
The University has a main campus of 76 hectares (190 acres) at Ilam, a suburb of Christchurch about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the centre of the city.
Intakes
- Feb Deadline: Dec
- July Deadline: May
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
PSW Opportunity
- During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
- After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
- After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Academic entry requirements
To enrol in the MHealSc, you must have completed either a relevant bachelor's degree, an appropriate health professional qualification, or the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or equivalent) with at least a B Grade Point Average.
Students with a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or equivalent) can complete Part II only (a full year of research – 120 points – in a pre-approved topic is recommended, although other options may be available).
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 02 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
79000 NZD
Annual Cost of Living: 20000 NZD
Application Fee: N/A
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