Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) – MClinPrac

Are you passionate about helping people? Massey’s Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) is a vocationally focused qualification that is a postgraduate pathway to becoming a registered nurse.

Type of qualification

Master's degree

Level of study

Postgraduate study

Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.

More about study levels

NZQF level 9

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

2 years full-time (240 credits)
Up to 5 years part-time

Where you can study

Distance and online

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Not open to international students
Note:
  • Delivered via on-campus block courses.
  • Incorporates some distance learning.
  • Selected entry qualification.

Study a Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) – MClinPrac

The Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) operates in collaboration with a range of clinical service providers in home, community and hospital settings. The qualification includes:

  • theoretical health/nursing knowledge
  • applied science
  • clinical experiences.

The Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) is similar to the Bachelor of Nursing. The main difference is that you will already have an undergraduate degree (as a minimum). You will also already know how to write and research at a tertiary level and can underpin scholarly arguments with evidence. The criteria for all registered nursing education qualifications is set by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. That is to ensure that all nursing students meet the requirements to become a registered nurse.

Students in the two-year MCP are required to meet exactly the same criteria as students in the Bachelor of Nursing and you will learn the same nursing specific theory and complete the same number of clinical placement hours. However, as this qualification is at master’s level, two of your courses will be at a postgraduate (800) level.

Get real-world experience

You will complete a minimum of 1100 clinical learning hours in a range of clinical settings under the supervision and guidance of a registered nurse. In your last semester, you will have a continuous nine-week placement within a clinical setting. Clinical learning takes place in many different areas including surgical, emergency, medical, mental health and primary care services.

Learn from the best in your field

You’ll learn from academics and professional clinicians who are highly experienced registered nurses. Their expertise in practice and research drives the development of relevant, up-to-date course content, teaching, and assessment of your work.

You’ll be supported all the way

Along with contact with your lecturers, learning consultants in the Centre for Teaching and Learning are available to support your study and academic writing skills. Each library has a subject librarian who supports you on campus or at a distance.

Further study

As a graduate of the Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) you can go on to more postgraduate study to become a nurse specialist with prescribing rights or a nurse practitioner. You can also do a PhD in nursing.

A MClinPrac is a good fit if you:

  • want to change careers
  • want excitement and challenges in a job where every day is different
  • are passionate about making a difference to the lives of people, communities and populations.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means as well as applying you will need to provide additional material as part of your application. 

To enter the Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) you will:

  • have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a grade average of B over the highest two levels of courses.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

You will need to provide the following documents. These are to meet the requirements set down by the Nursing Council of New Zealand for registration as a nurse in New Zealand (in terms of your good character and fitness to be a nurse): 

  • a personal supporting statement of about 300 words explaining why you chose the Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) and why you feel you would make a good nurse.
    • list any personal characteristics you have that demonstrate your suitability
    • include how you will manage intensified blended learning (distance learning, online self-directed learning, on-campus block courses, and labs and clinical placements)
    • confirm that you are aware of the necessity of travelling and accommodating yourself on the Manawatu Massey campus 2-3 times a semester for a week at a time for block courses.
  • a curriculum vitae of approximately three pages, which should include your academic and work history
  • provide details of two character referees – these must not be family or friends. An employer or manager would be ideal
  • complete the vetting service request and consent form for a New Zealand Police check – a criminal record check under the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004
  • provide a current police certificate from any overseas countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
  • complete the Health and Disability Declaration
  • an interview may be required.

Once you have been accepted into the Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing)

Once you are successful at gaining a place in the Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing), you will also need to complete further tasks. These are to meet the requirements set down by the Nursing Council of New Zealand for registration as a nurse in New Zealand (in terms of your good character and fitness to be a nurse). You will need to:

  • fill out a VCA 2014 Questionnaire – Vulnerable Children Act 2014 (VCA 2014)
  • hold a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate (NZQA unit standards 6402, 6401 and 6400) for example Red Cross Comprehensive First Aid or St John First Aid Level 2 
  • To be eligible for Clinical Placement (which is a compulsory part of the qualification), you must meet the immunisations standards of practice for healthcare professionals in New Zealand. This includes, Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chicken pox), Measles, Pertussis (Whooping cough) and Tuberculosis (TB). You must also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in order to meet the requirement for clinical placements. We require all nursing students to be vaccinated prior to the commencement of study.

Application closing date

Applications close on 31 December for study commencing the following year.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must also supply a copy of your results in an Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. You must have achieved at least 7.0 across all bands with no band less than 7.0 within the preceding three months.

About referees

Referees need to be able to provide informed responses on your personal suitability for the qualification. A referee should be someone who has known you for one year or more in the capacity of employer, educator, work colleague or person of community standing, for example a kaumātua, minister or similar. Your referee should not be a friend, flatmate, relative or someone who has not known you for at least a year. The information your referee supplies is confidential to those involved in the selection process.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours. 

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Meeting requirements for industry membership

Becoming a registered nurse

In order to become a registered nurse, there are requirements from the Nursing Council of New Zealand that you will need to meet, in terms of your good character and fitness to become a registered nurse.

There are requirements both before you start your study and when you successfully complete this qualification.

See details in the ‘Specific requirements’ section above.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing)

The Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part and meet some requirements, before moving to the second.

If you study full time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

Part One

The courses in your first semester of study focus on hauora and wellbeing.  It includes 160 clinical hours and introduces the professional requirements for nursing, nursing skills and knowledge, and the regulatory, legal and ethical dimensions of practice.

The courses in your second semester focus on long-term conditions and primary health care. This includes 240 clinical hours and study of the fundamentals of care (evidence-based nursing framework). It also includes a critical evaluation of the desired and unseen effects of technology in nursing. And a critical consideration of our individual and collective response to vulnerable and marginalised populations to lead reduction of health inequity and to promote wellbeing.

Part Two

This section focuses on complex and acute health challenges including caring for people and their whānau experiencing acute distress, illness or trauma across the age continuum. It includes evidence-based practice as a conscientious, problem-solving approach to nursing and 360 hours clinical placement.

The final semester of study focuses on consolidation of nursing knowledge and leadership. This includes 360 hours of continuous clinical practice and supports the student to understand the reality of the novice registered nurse. You will undertake an evidence-based exploration of the potential for change in practice in the clinical environment.

Timeframes of your study

The Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) is offered as a 2-year full-time qualification. In exceptional circumstances, you may request, in advance, a suspension or extension of study by applying to the Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) Programme Director at nursing@massey.ac.nz

The course of study should not exceed five (5) calendar years, unless a specified time of suspension or extension is approved by the Academic Board and the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

The Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) is a selected entry qualification meaning there are extra criteria for entry. The teaching dates do not match the usual Massey University semester dates. You will be required to do extended semesters, and study break timing will vary from year to year to accommodate the clinical placements.

There are pre-programme introductory modules that open mid-January, and the qualification begins with a block course on the Manawatū campus in the first week of February.

For applicants needing to meet the English language (IELTS) entry criteria the test results must be available to consider with the application no later than Friday of the first week in January of the year you are entering the qualification.

Courses and specialisations

Key terms

Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit summary

240 credits

  • Part One compulsory courses – 120 credits
  • Part Two compulsory courses – 120 credits
  • 1100 hours of approved clinical practice and associated reports

Requires completion of Part One and Two

There are regulations around completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two.

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Part One (Choose 120 credits from)

Choose 120 credits from
Course code: 168740 Critical Knowledge for Nursing (Bioscience) 15 credits

An exploration of physiology including an overview of basic function of cells, tissues organs and their role in the human body to maintain homeostasis.

View full course details
Course code: 168742 Fundamental Partnerships I 30 credits

Introduction into the fundamentals of care framework (evidence-based nursing framework) as a platform to partner with individuals and whānau to promote wellness in nursing relationships. A practicum is included to gain nursing experience in the context of human wellness.

View full course details
Course code: 168743 Fundamental Partnerships II 30 credits

An exploration of the fundamentals of care (evidence-based nursing framework) as it relates to altered health status using a body systems approach. A practicum is included to gain nursing experience in the context of long-term conditions and primary heath.

Prerequisites: 168742

View full course details
Course code: 168744 Professional Issues 15 credits

Introduction to the professional discipline of nursing including the regulatory, legal and ethical dimensions of practice.

View full course details
Course code: 168745 E-Health and Technology in Nursing 15 credits

Critical evaluation of the desired and unseen effects of technology in nursing including the status of technology and its role in creating an information-literate nursing workforce.

Prerequisites: 168742

View full course details
Course code: 168746 Social Justice and Citizenship 15 credits

Critical consideration of our individual and collective response to vulnerable and marginalised populations to lead in the reduction of health inequity and promote wellbeing.

Prerequisites: 168742

View full course details

Part Two (Choose 120 credits from)

Choose 120 credits from
Course code: 168747 Complex Partnerships I 45 credits

Nursing practice is examined in relation to caring for people and their whānau experiencing acute distress, illness or trauma across the age continuum. A practicum is included to gain experience and apply nursing knowledge, skills and attributes in the acute care context.

Prerequisites: 168743

View full course details
Course code: 168748 Complex Partnerships II [Transition to Practice] 30 credits

An extended practicum experience designed to consolidate theory and practice and support working realities for a novice nurse in a clinical setting.

Prerequisites: 168747

View full course details
Course code: 168820 Scholarship for Clinical Practice 15 credits

Scholarship through evidence-based practice is examined as a conscientious, problem-solving approach to nursing that incorporates the best evidence from peer reviewed research, patient values and preferences, and a clinician's expertise in making decisions about a patient's care.

Prerequisites: 168743

View full course details
Course code: 168821 Leadership in Nursing Practice Project 30 credits

An in-depth, evidence-based exploration of the potential for change in practice in the clinical environment.

Prerequisites: 168820

View full course details

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers, as it is focused on supporting people, families and communities to manage a wide range of health challenges. Nurses are involved in all areas of health care and can specialise in particular areas such as intensive care, community mental health, aged care, or child and adolescent nursing. They can also become a specialist in particular conditions, such as diabetes, respiratory care or cancer nursing. Nurses can also choose to develop careers in health management, research and teaching.

Here are a few examples of where you can work:

Primary and community health care

  • general practice
  • Māori health services
  • hospice
  • district nursing
  • community mental health.

Hospital-based care

  • neonatal units
  • medical and surgical wards
  • emergency departments
  • intensive care
  • paediatrics
  • acute mental health services.

Populations-based services

  • public health
  • schools.

Specialty practice

  • mental health
  • aged care
  • child health
  • family health
  • rural and remote nursing.

What our students say

“I saw a need for others like me, mature, Samoan, male, to join the nursing workforce in the mental health area to help others, especially the Pacific community both here in New Zealand and overseas. I chose Massey because it allowed me to work while studying.”
Wayne Shum-Kuen-Ip
Wayne Shum-Kuen-Ip

Samoan

Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing)

“Being on placements was a big test to see if nursing was really what I wanted to do. Sure enough, it was! Being a practice nurse is a real privilege as I get to know not only the patients but their whole whānau.”
Kelly Chonel
Kelly Chonel

Practice Nurse

Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing)

“I'd always had an interest in health and wanted to do something that would make a significant contribution to my community. The degree built my confidence in what I am capable of, both academically and practically. It’s never too late to start something new at any stage of life.”
Anna Stanton-Wells
Anna Stanton-Wells

Practice Nurse

Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing)

Accreditations and rankings

Nursing Council of New Zealand

Our nursing qualifications are nationally and internationally recognised and approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Upon completion you can apply for registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

Learn more

QS Ranking - Nursing

Massey nursing is ranked in the world's top 150 universities by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

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ShanghaiRanking - nursing

Massey University is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world and first in New Zealand in the subject area of nursing by the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

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