Master of Applied Health Promotion (Level 9)

Duration

TBC

Delivery

Blended (for international learners) Distance Online (for domestic learners)

Campus

New Lynn

Credits

180

Work placement

TBC

Fees Domestic

TBC

Fees International

TBC

The Master of Applied Health Promotion (Level 9) prepares learners to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-informed approaches that improve health and mental wellbeing across diverse communities. Through advanced study, you’ll explore the determinants of health challenges, with a strong focus on Hauora Māori, Pacific health, and culturally responsive practice. Designed for learners who have prior experience or study in health fields and want to advance their health career, you’ll graduate with the expertise to create practical solutions that respond to the needs of communities and contribute to positive health outcomes.

This Master’s degree is structured by coursework, consisting of taught compulsory and elective courses (150 credits) plus an Applied Project (at 30 credits).

Semester 1
MAH801: Cultural Safety and Communication in Aotearoa New Zealand (15 Credits) – Compulsory

The aim of this course is for students to gain advanced practical skills and knowledge of cultural safety applicable when communicating, engaging and working in the health sector with Māori, Pasifika and people living with disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

MAH802: Health Practices and Policies in Aotearoa New Zealand (15 Credits) – Compulsory

The aim of this course is to critically examine and evaluate health practices, policies and legislation, focusing on the responsibilities of health professionals working within mental health, community health and addiction services.

MAH803: Health Informatics (15 Credits) – Compulsory

The aim of this course is for students to gain advance knowledge and understanding of health informatics, such as electronic health records, clinical decision support systems, telehealth, and digital health innovations, and the legal restrictions and risks that apply to these concepts, as well as their potential to improve health outcomes for Māori and/or Pasifika communities.

MAH804: Research Methods (15 Credits) – Compulsory

The aim of this course is to further develop students’ ability to critically engage with research, including a robust research proposal that encompasses a well-defined hypothesis, pertinent research question(s), suitable methodology, and an ethical framework for application.

Semester 2
MAHE806: Theories and Principles for Mental Health (30 Credits) – Elective

This course will equip students with an advanced understanding and ability to apply the various theoretical frameworks and principles that underpin mental health practices. The course will emphasise the importance of ethical considerations, cultural competence, and evidence-based practices in addressing inequities and improving mental health outcomes, with a specific focus on the wellbeing of Māori, Pasifika, and other vulnerable populations.

MAHE807: Community Health (30 Credits) – Elective

The aim of this course is to equip students with advanced knowledge and in-depth understanding of community health principles, policies, and practices including determinants of health and health disparities, and designing, implementing and evaluating health interventions that improve health outcomes for diverse communities, with a particular emphasis on tangata whenua and Pasifika.

MAH809: Research Project (30 Credits) – Elective

This course will enable students to become research-driven advocates for health equity. Through a comprehensive approach, students will develop critical skills to design, conduct, and disseminate research that addresses systemic health disparities and drives meaningful improvements in community health outcomes.

MAHE813: Partnerships with Communities (15 Credits) – Elective

During this course learners will examine cultural, socio-political and structural determinants of health inequity, and interrogate power dynamics in health professional–community relationships. Learners will develop the knowledge and skills to engage in culturally responsive, Te Tiriti-led co-design practice — positioning diverse and priority populations as active partners in co-creating health-promoting solutions.

MAHE814: Health Equity in Practice (15 Credits) – Elective

The aim of this course is to equip learners to critically examine and address health inequities by applying determinants‑of‑health thinking, equity‑focused evaluation methods, and culturally responsive, Te Tiriti‑led health promotion practices in real‑world contexts.

MAH915: Advanced Evaluation Methods (15 Credits) – Compulsory

Enable learners to critically appraise and apply research and evaluation methods in health promotion and population health, with a particular focus on equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and qualitative approaches appropriate for Aotearoa New Zealand and comparable international contexts.

MAH916: Applied Project (15 Credits) – Compulsory

To enable learners to design, enact and critically reflect on a substantial work‑integrated health promotion project that advances health equity in a real‑world setting, through Te Tiriti‑honouring analysis of population health issues, application of contemporary evaluation methods, and culturally responsive, Māori and Pacific‑centred practice.

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

This Master’s degree is a taught programme with a practical focus. It does not include a research thesis or dissertation and is not intended as a pathway to doctoral studies.

Annual gross income (median) TBC p/a (after one year in the health sector)
depending on the role and level of responsibility.

Build your future in health promotion

With a shortage of qualified community health professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas, the Master of Applied Health Promotion can open pathways into a range of health promotion roles. This programme provides a pathway for graduates from diverse health-related fields to develop the advanced skills needed to contribute to public health planning and services, helping address workforce shortages and regional health needs. You’ll also gain valuable practical experience through an applied project, where you’ll tackle a complex health challenge and develop an evidence-informed solution that advances health equity in a real-world setting. This experience can help you graduate with practical skills and experience to take into your next career move.

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Schedule and fees

Online
Start Date
End Date

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Further study options