Occupational Health

Entry requirements

Every applicant, shall normally be required to satisfy all of the following: be a graduate in a health-related field or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years of full-time tertiary study; have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or equivalent with grades averaging B or better; have completed 30 points of research methods at NZQF Level 8 with a grade (or average grade if more than one paper is used to complete the 30 points) of B+ or better; and provide evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.

Applicants for admission where non-standard research methods requirements apply shall normally be required to satisfy all of the following: be a graduate in a health-related field or possess an appropriate health professional qualification requiring at least three years of full-time tertiary study; have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences or equivalent with grades averaging B+ or better; and provide evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) degree allows study at a postgraduate level across a range of health disciplines, and research experience (thesis, dissertation or project) in the student's area of specialisation. This course is also available through Distance Learning.

Normally before embarking upon study within the Master of Health Sciences programme, students would first complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) and/or a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc). Students are normally required to obtain a B average over their Postgraduate Diploma in order to be admitted to Masters Study.

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) comprises 120 points. This can be a thesis worth the entire 120 points, a 60 point dissertation and further papers to the value of 60 points, or 30 point research project and 90 points of further papers. A 30 point research methods paper is a requirement for the Master of Health Sciences. It can be taken as an "endorsed" option.

Programmes are taught through the Dunedin School of Medicine and are designed to offer training in occupational health and safety for health science and other graduates who may wish to pursue a career in health and safety and for those who may be working in the field already.

The programme covers hazard identification, risk assessment, hazard management (including legislation), occupational diseases, rehabilitation, and occupational hygiene, toxicology, and research methods.

Thesis option

• OCCH 401 Occupational Health
• OCCH 402 Occupational Safety
• Approved research methods paper(s) to the value of 30 points
• Further approved paper(s) to the value of 30 points
• A thesis (120 points)

Coursework option

• OCCH 401 Occupational Health
• OCCH 402 Occupational Safety
• Approved research methods paper(s) to the value of 30 points
• Further approved paper(s) to the value of 90 points
• A dissertation (60 points)

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) endorsed in Occupational Health is available through Distance Learning.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Students are eligible for the Otago International Excellence Scholarship.