This accelerated two-year programme is intended for graduates who already hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline and want to transition into nursing. Students gain comprehensive theoretical knowledge, practical clinical skills and professional competencies required for contemporary nursing practice.

Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, subject to meeting all regulatory requirements.

Why Study the Master of Nursing Science at AUT?

• Accelerated pathway into the nursing profession.
• Designed for graduates with a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
• Accredited programme leading to eligibility for Nursing Council registration.
• Extensive supervised clinical placements across New Zealand healthcare settings.
• Learn from experienced nurse educators, clinicians and researchers.
• Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, patient-centred care and cultural safety.
• Excellent employment opportunities due to New Zealand's demand for registered nurses.
• Practice-focused curriculum integrating simulation, laboratory learning and clinical experience.

Programme Structure

Students complete 240 points over two years through a combination of:

Nursing Theory

• Foundations of Nursing
• Professional Nursing Practice
• Health Assessment
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Acute and Complex Care
• Primary Healthcare
• Mental Health Nursing
• Child and Family Health
• Older Adult Care
• Leadership in Nursing

Clinical Education

Students undertake extensive supervised clinical placements across multiple healthcare settings to develop professional competence and meet Nursing Council registration standards.

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study topics including:

• Foundations of Nursing Practice
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Health Assessment
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Professional Nursing
• Clinical Decision-Making
• Mental Health Nursing
• Community Health
• Child Health
• Older Adult Care
• Acute Care Nursing
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Research
• Healthcare Ethics
• Cultural Safety
• M?ori Health
• Pacific Health
• Leadership in Healthcare

Disciplines / Areas of Focus

The programme prepares graduates across a broad range of nursing practice areas, including:

• Adult Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Primary Healthcare
• Community Nursing
• Mental Health
• Child and Family Health
• Older Person Care
• Acute Care
• Rehabilitation
• Public Health Nursing

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 professional master's qualification.
• 240-point accelerated nursing programme.
• Specifically designed for graduates changing careers into nursing.
• Eligibility to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand upon successful completion.
• Extensive clinical placement experience.
• Modern simulation laboratories and industry-standard facilities.
• Strong emphasis on cultural safety, evidence-based practice and person-centred care.
• High graduate employability in New Zealand's healthcare sector.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers as:

• Registered Nurse (subject to Nursing Council of New Zealand registration)
• Medical-Surgical Nurse
• Community Health Nurse
• Primary Healthcare Nurse
• Mental Health Nurse
• Aged Care Nurse
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Public Health Nurse
• Hospital Nurse
• Rural Health Nurse

Graduates commonly work in:

• Public hospitals
• Private hospitals
• Community healthcare organisations
• Primary healthcare clinics
• Mental health services
• Aged residential care
• Rehabilitation centres
• Government health agencies

Visa Requirements

International students studying full-time generally require a New Zealand Student Visa.

Applicants typically need:

• Offer of Place from AUT.
• Valid passport.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses.
• English language proficiency evidence.
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required).
• Police clearance certificate (where applicable).
• Approved medical and travel insurance.

Because the programme includes clinical placements, students must also meet additional professional requirements before placement, including:

• Current immunisation records.
• Police vetting/Children's Act safety checks.
• Current CPR certification (where required).
• Ability to travel to clinical placement locations.
• Health screening and occupational compliance requirements.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme Code: AK3830.
• Qualification Level: NZQF Level 9.
• Credits: 240 points.
• Duration: 2 years full-time.
• Campus: AUT South Campus.
• 2027 Intake: 25 January 2027.
• Application Deadline: 30 October 2026.
• Graduates become eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) after meeting all programme and regulatory requirements.
• Applicants must satisfy Nursing Council English language standards and complete all required clinical placement compliance checks.