AUT - Nursing Postgraduate Study

Dr Anita Bamford-Wade Joint Head of Nursing

This page has the postgraduate Advanced Nursing Practice papers and qualifications (courses) that you can study at AUT University. See links to paper descriptions and outlines of each qualification.

Who can study Advanced Nursing at postgraduate level?

The advanced nursing practice papers within the Health programmes are practice-focused and responsive to the changing needs within health care services. Our programmes prepare and support nurses for all advanced practice roles, including the registration of nurse practitioner. We offer a flexible incremental programme of postgraduate courses that enables registered nurses to study in a number of ways; on campus, online, in block mode and at hospital sites around the North Island.

Students, provided they meet the entry requirements, can enter postgraduate programmes at the postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or masters levels outlined below.

Below is a summary only. For a comprehensive overview of this qualification, please refer to the Academic calendar. Detailed paper information is available on the More Information web page.

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Wanting to enrol. A step by step process to help you

Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice (AK3557) 60 points

The PgCertAdvNursPrac is open to registered nurses. It allows students to develop a specialty nursing area and to extend your knowledge, skills and practice. The programme may contribute 60 points towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science*, Master of Health Science or Master of Health Practice.

You complete 60 points from the following papers:
589130 Special Topic (15 points)
589661 Science for Advanced Practice*** (30 points)
589758 Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning*** (30 points)
589662 Long-term Conditions (30 points)
589663 Primary Healthcare (30 points)
589673 Family Assessment (15 points)
589757 Graduate Nursing Practice (15 points)#

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Advanced Nursing Practice (AK3487) 120 points

The PgDipHSc is a coursework programme which can lead into the Master of Health Science or Master of Health Practice. It provides you with the opportunity to undertake an approved course of study to advance your specialty discipline, knowledge and scholarly development. Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science graduates can add one research paper, one professional paper and a speciality paper to complete this postgraduate diploma.

Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Advanced Nursing Practice papers (60 points) AND

And select 1 research paper:
589120 Critical Inquiry for Evidence Based Practice^ (15 points)
589125 Integrative Research (15 points)

Select 1 professional paper:
589126 Health Professional Practice (15 points)
589127 Practice Reality (15 points)

Complete the following specialty core paper:
589665 Advancing Nursing Practice (15 points)

And select 1 paper from:
589122 Quantitative Research II** (15 points)
589124 Qualitative Research II** (15 points)
589130 Special Topic (15 points)
589664 Pharmacology Science*** (15 points)
589673 Family Assessment (15 points)
589700 Concepts of Rehabilitation (15 points)
588584 Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice (15 points)

Master of Health Practice in Nursing (AK3733) 180 points

The MHPrac is for health professionals with at least three years’ clinical experience. It is ideal for those health practitioners who wish to extend their practical knowledge and take their career to a higher level.

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Advanced Nursing Practice papers (120 points)

Select 60 points from the following papers:
589130 Special Topic (15 points) 
589661 Science for Advanced Practice (30 points)
589662 Long-term Conditions (30 points)
589663 Primary Healthcare (30 points) 
589664 Pharmacology Science (15 points)
589666 Applied Pharmacotherapeutics (15 points)
589673 Family Assessment (15 points)
589700 Concepts of Rehabilitation (15 points)
589712 Measuring Health and Wellbeing (15 points)
589758 Advancing Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (30 points)
589669 Practicum Prescribing (45 points)
589674 Specialty Practicum (30 points)

Or:
589600 Practice Project (60 points)

Or:
Alternative papers approved by the Programme Leader (60 points)

Master of Health Science (AK3485) 240 points

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Advanced Nursing Practice papers (120 points)
And:
589690 Thesis** (120 points)

Master of Health Science in Advanced Nursing Practice (AK3485) 240 points

The MHSc provides an opportunity for graduates from a variety of health backgrounds to advance their scholarly and professional knowledge in an interprofessional and collegial learning environment, and to develop research capabilities. This degree comprises core and specialist papers and a thesis or dissertation, which gives you the opportunity to complete research relevant to your programme of study.

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Advanced Nursing Practice papers (120 points)

And select 120 points from:
589669 Practicum Prescribing*** (45 points)
Or:
589674 Specialty Practicum*** (30 points)
And:
589130 Special Topic (15 points)
589642 Quality Evaluation in Health (15 points)
589661 Science for Advanced Practice*** (30 points)
589758 Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning*** (30 points)
589662 Long-term Conditions (30 points)
589663 Primary Healthcare (30 points)
589664 Pharmacology Science*** (15 points)
589666 Applied Pharmacotherapeutics*** (15 points)
589673 Family Assessment (15 points)
589700 Concepts of Rehabilitation (15 points)
589757 Graduate Nursing Practice (15 points)#
And:
589668 Dissertation (45 points)

Within this subject area other relevant optional papers may be undertaken with the approval of the Programme Leader. Optional papers may be selected from other relevant subject areas.

Doctor of Health Science

The Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) is designed for health professionals with at least five years’ professional experience who wish to broaden their professional practice competency and expertise. It comprises of papers and research development, which culminates in a thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is undertaken by research only. There is no compulsory coursework involved. The PhD is an advanced postgraduate degree that is particularly suitable for students wishing to pursue an academic or research career. A successful candidate will make a significant original contribution to the body of knowledge in relation to a contemporary issue in health and environmental research. Students will have supervisors to guide and advise them, with one assigned as the primary supervisor. 

What do the symbols mean

Flexible learning options may be available. This involves online, block course or distance learning (subject to change).
^ For non research-thesis pathway.
*A Postgraduate Certificate must be surrendered in order to claim full credits towards a Postgraduate Diploma. Please refer to AUT Calendar 2012 for further details regarding Recognition of Prior Learning
** If completing a 120 point thesis, you need to have completed
either: Qualitative Research I and II OR Quantitative Research I and II.
*** Recommended for Nurse Practitioner Route.
# Subject to approval from Programme Leader