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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Health leadership is a varied and complex field. If you are interested in a career where you can play a part in helping to improve the experiences of patients, the health of communities and the operations of health services, then MHlthLd is the ideal programme for you.

Study a wide range of topics from quality in health care to health care economics, public health principles and health informatics principles.

Health leadership opens doors in careers such as health management, health care quality improvement, international health management and more in this exciting challenging field.

Programme Structure

The MHlthLd can be completed as a 120-point or 180-point taught masters degree, depending on the level of study you have completed.

You can choose one of two specialisations:

  • Health Management
  • Clinical Quality and Safety

Your programme will include a number of core courses, as well as courses specific to your chosen specialisation. You will also complete a 45-point project in health leadership.  

The 180-point programme can be completed in three semesters (18 months) full-time or up to 12 semesters (6 years) part-time. The 120-point programme can be completed in two semesters (1 year) full-time or up to eight semesters (4 years) part-time.

The preferred start date is Semester One (late February/early March); however, it is possible to start the Health Management specialisation in Semester Two (July). The Clinical Quality and Safety specialisation may only be commenced in Semester One.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

The programme has been developed to meet the demand in health leadership and management in international and domestic markets. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Health management
  • Health care quality improvement
  • International health management
  • NGOs

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters .

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2025 Semester One08 December 202403 March 202530 June 2025
2025 Semester Two04 July 202521 July 202517 November 2025
2026 Semester One02 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two20 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points in a relevant postgraduate certificate or diploma (or 60 points of relevant 700 level courses) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors Honours degree or a relevant postgraduate diploma from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) a relevant postgraduate certificate from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

Notes:

This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.

A relevant degree may be one which qualifies the holder for registration as a health professional, or be in a relevant subject such as arts, business, education, health sciences, law, political science, public health or social work.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment of this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment of this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements for one of the specialisations as listed in the Master of Health Leadership Schedule.

8 A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher across their best 60 points of courses taken for this programme prior to enrolment in HLTHMGT 755. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Health Leadership cannot continue.

9 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

10 Courses selected for this qualification are subject to confirmation by the relevant Programme Director.

Research Component

11 a The project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The project topic must be approved by the relevant Programme Director.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Leadership or Postgraduate Certificate in Health Leadership.

Distinction

13 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

14 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

Courses selected for this qualification are subject to confirmation by the relevant Programme Director.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism