Master of Arts (Thesis)
The University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand is renowned for its academic excellenc...
Master of Health Sciences - Health Behaviour Change (Research)
Christchurch
INTAKE: Jul & Feb
Program Overview
The Master of Health Sciences in Health Behaviour Change (Research) program at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a specialized course focused on exploring and understanding the complexities of modifying health behaviors. This program is designed to equip students with research skills and strategies to promote positive health behavior changes within individuals and communities.
Curriculum: UC's Master of Health Sciences in Health Behaviour Change provides a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of health psychology, behavioral theories, intervention strategies, and evaluation methods. Core courses delve into behavior change theories, health communication strategies, motivation techniques, and program development. Elective courses allow students to specialize further in areas such as addiction behavior, health coaching, or behavior change in diverse populations.
Research Focus: The program emphasizes a strong research focus, encouraging students to engage in original research projects related to health behavior change. Students work closely with faculty mentors, exploring innovative methodologies, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. The focus is on understanding behavior change mechanisms and developing effective interventions.
Industry Engagement: UC fosters connections with healthcare institutions, public health agencies, and community organizations to provide students with practical experiences. Through internships, fieldwork, or collaborative research projects, students gain hands-on experience applying behavior change theories to real-world health issues.
Global Perspective: The Master of Health Sciences in Health Behaviour Change program at UC integrates a global perspective by examining behavior change within diverse cultural contexts. The curriculum includes discussions on behavior change programs from different regions, exploring cultural influences, and addressing health disparities worldwide.
Location
Christchurch
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
NZD 84400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 50% or higher in the previous academic degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 19.
- PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Canterbury is dedicated to providing support to international students through various scholarship programs designed to recognize academic excellence, diversity, and specific areas of achievement. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden and promote educational opportunities for talented individuals from around the world.
UC International First Year Scholarships: Geared towards high-achieving international students beginning their first year of study at UC. These scholarships acknowledge exceptional academic performance and assist students in their initial year of education at the university.
UC Master's Scholarships: For high-achieving international students pursuing Master's degrees at UC. These scholarships provide financial support to assist students in their postgraduate studies and promote research excellence.
UC Doctoral Scholarships: Aimed at international students undertaking Ph.D. studies at UC. These scholarships offer financial assistance and opportunities for research excellence in various fields of study.
Specific Field Scholarships: Additionally, UC offers specialized scholarships catering to students entering specific fields or disciplines. These scholarships encourage innovation and excellence in targeted areas of study.
Graduates from the Master of Health Sciences in Health Behaviour Change (Research) program at the University of Canterbury (UC) possess a unique skill set focused on behavior modification, opening doors to impactful careers in various sectors dedicated to promoting health and well-being through behavioral change.
Health Behavior Specialist: Alumni often pursue careers as health behavior specialists or consultants, working in healthcare settings, community organizations, or private practices. They design and implement behavior change programs, focusing on areas like smoking cessation, weight management, stress reduction, or chronic disease prevention.
Health Educator or Coach: Graduates may become health educators or coaches, guiding individuals or groups toward adopting healthier behaviors. They work in schools, workplaces, or community centers, providing education, support, and strategies to promote lifestyle changes and improve health outcomes.
Research and Evaluation Roles: Many alumni choose research-oriented careers, working in universities, research institutions, or healthcare organizations. They conduct studies, analyze data, and evaluate the effectiveness of behavior change interventions. They contribute to evidence-based practices and program development.
Public Health Policy Advisor: Graduates may work as advisors in public health agencies or government departments, providing expertise in behavior change strategies. They contribute to developing policies and initiatives aimed at promoting healthier behaviors and addressing public health concerns.
Health Communications Specialist: Some alumni pursue careers in health communications, working in marketing agencies, healthcare organizations, or public relations firms. They develop communication strategies to disseminate health information and promote behavior change through various media channels.
Community Health Coordinator: Graduates may choose roles as community health coordinators, collaborating with local communities and organizations. They design community-based programs, engage with diverse populations, and implement initiatives targeting behavior change for improved health outcomes.
