A specialisation is a focused collection of courses within a programme that allows you to gain deep, targeted knowledge in a specific sub-field. Normally these courses make up more than 50 percent of a qualification, some of which lead to registration within a certain field. They may be interdisciplinary, professionally oriented, or designed to meet accreditation requirements. Specialisations often restrict elective choice in favour of a clearly defined study plan.

Completed specialisations will appear on your academic transcript.

Please see the main programme link below for further details.

Recent mental health policy reports have emphasised the need for continued mental health workforce development in nursing.
The Mental Health Nursing specialisation is aimed at practitioners entering the field as well as those experienced in mental health nursing practice. There are courses for practitioners in their first year of practice, and for those preparing for advanced practice, and nurse practitioner roles.
Our research is broadly focused on mental health, addictions and social justice and uses co-production as a model for research. Research themes aim to create improvements to the law, policy and service delivery in mental health and addictions.

PGCertHSc - Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences

You can study a Mental Health Nursing specialisation in the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Health Sciences in Mental Health Nursing and the Master of Nursing or Master of Health Sciences.
The areas of study include:
- Nursing People in Acute Mental Health Crisis
- Advanced Assessment in MHN
- Psychological Interventions in Health Care
- Contemporary Mental Health and Addictions

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHSc) and Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (PGCertHSc)in Mental Health Nursing are aimed at practitioners entering mental health nursing as well as those experienced in mental health nursing practice.
There are courses for practitioners in their first year of practice, and for those preparing for advanced practice and nurse practitioner roles.
This specialisation is offered by the School of Nursing. Courses in this specialisation are offered in a Flexible learning format.

Students applying for the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences in Mental Health Nursing or Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences in Mental Health Nursing must have current registration with the Nursing Council in New Zealand.