Study for a degree in nursing
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 3 years (34 teaching weeks per year), part-time available for the first year only.
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Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
Bachelor of Nursing (Level 7)Programme code: MN4457 -
Credits
360 -
Locations
MIT Manukau
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Domestic fees
$7,700 (approx.)* per year
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International fees
NZD $29,120 (approx.)* per year
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Study to become a registered nurse with MIT.
This programme will challenge you to develop your practical, social and academic skills to make you a valuable member within any healthcare team. Get hands-on clinical experience from day one, from learning within our modern clinical learning suite, to time in both community and inpatient clinical placements.
Class sizes are small so you will build strong working relationships with your peers and teaching staff throughout your journey. Your lecturers visit you regularly to help guide you to link theory to practice when out on your clinical placements.
You will experience a broad range of culturally diverse and unique clinical experiences within community, inpatient and mental health settings.
When you graduate, you'll be ready to sit the Nursing Council of New Zealand State Examination and apply for registration as a registered nurse in New Zealand.
For FAQ's specific to the BN, please click here.
If you are Māori or Pasifika, find out how you could be supported on your MIT journey with Te Ara Oranga.
Please note: Although the Government vaccine mandate for health and disability workers ended on 11:59pm 26 September 2022, some employers can still require workers to be vaccinated due to their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Placement is a compulsory component of MIT’s healthcare programmes. To go on placement in this sector, students will need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to MIT. Students that hold a medical exemption that prevents them from being vaccinated are permitted to work in the healthcare sector, but will have limited placement opportunities in that sector. Students that are not vaccinated, or that do not wish to share their vaccination status with MIT, may not be able to go on placement in the healthcare sector. If you hold a medical exemption, or if you are unable or unwilling to provide proof of vaccination to MIT, your placement opportunities will accordingly be limited and MIT cannot guarantee availability with placement providers. If this applies to you, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options.
Entry requirements
All enrolments in the Bachelor of Nursing programme are subject to the approval of an entry and selection team. All applicants must complete a health declaration and the New Zealand Nursing Council requires criminal convictions to be declared.
Applicants must meet the following entry requirements
University entrance
- NCEA Level 3
- Three subjects - at Level 3 or above, made up of:
- 14 credits each, in three approved subjects
- Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
- 5 credits in reading
- 5 credits in writing
- Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- achievement standards - specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
- unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required); and
- Three subjects - at Level 3 or above, made up of:
- A minimum of 12 credits at NQF Level 2 or higher from the subjects listed below:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Science
OR
- NCEA Level 2
- Applicants must hold at least 80 credits at NCEA Level 2, of which 40 credits must be at merit or excellence. Of the 80 NCEA Level 2 credits, students must have gained a minimum of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing in English or Te Reo Māori; and
- A minimum of 12 credits from the subjects listed below:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Science; and
- A minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or higher in mathematics.
An interview is required to determine the applicant's preparedness for tertiary studies. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
- Effective interpersonal communication skills
- Good personal presentation
- Maturity and a positive attitude
- Commitment and motivation to succeed
OR
Cambridge International Examinations
- 120 points on the UCAS Tariff with a minimum grade of D in at least three subjects equivalent to those in the list approved for NZUEBS and NCEA at AS, A2 (or A) level; and
- A minimum D pass in IGCSe Mathematics; and
- A minimum E pass in AS English. Applicants must meet the equivalent science requirements as specified for NCEA Level 2.
OR
International Baccalaureate (IB) Equivalence
- A minimum total of 24 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP); and
- Meet the literacy requirements by having at least four points in an English-rich subject in the IBDP; and
- Meet the numeracy requirements by having at least four points in mathematics in the IBDP or by meeting the necessary numeracy requirements by some other means.
- Must meet the equivalent science requirements as specified for NCEA Level 2.
Applicants who do not meet all entry requirements should contact the School of Nursing to explore their options.
OR
Applicants 20 years of age and over will ideally meet the minimum entry requirement. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, but feel you have the skills or experience to be successful in this programme, should contact the School to discuss their options
OR
Students who have studied on a nursing programme at another institution wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Nursing will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Refer to programme regulations. A B-grade average (ie above a B minus average) in the nursing programme from another institution is required
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Applicants who have completed the New Zealand Certificate and Study Preparation (Nursing Studies) who achieve a B grade or higher in all subjects will be offered a place on the BN programme subject to referee reports and available places. Students who did not achieve B grades or higher will be considered on an individual basis by the HOS.
OR
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a mature approach to study; ability to pass a science diagnostic test; ability to manage their time; ability to seek support; a strong motivation to work in the health sector; the ability to read and write at the level required for degree-level study. The above attributes will be assessed through an information session.
AND
Have English language competence to undertake this programme which is taught and assessed in English. Any applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.5 (with no score of below 6.5) or equivalence.
Equivalence will be considered by a case-by-case basis demonstrated by:
Evidence of either of the following kinds of previous primary or secondary study in English by the student:
(a) completion of primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools where the student was taught using English language of instruction; or
(b) completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction.
Students may submit evidence of equivalence for these areas of study for assessment. Students who did not achieve B grades or higher will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants who have completed a Foundation Education programme, or an equivalent, can submit an application and may be offered a place on the Bachelor of Nursing programme subject to their results.
OR
Subject to the MIT Council's statutory powers to decline enrolment, a person may enrol for the first year of the Bachelor of Nursing programme if the Director of Nursing/entry panel is of the opinion that the applicant can undertake the programme with reasonable prospects of success.
Additional requirements for admission
Each applicant is required to submit the names of at least two referees who are able to affirm that the applicant is of good character and reputation and is likely to be a 'fit and proper' person to register as a registered nurse. Relatives may not be used as referees. Referees must have known the applicant for at least two years.
The applicant's level of health shall be such that it is possible to achieve the competencies required for registration as a nurse. A health declaration is required and further reports may be requested with the consent of the applicant. Immune status must be provided for specified diseases/conditions as determined by the School from time to time.
Applicants are required to declare all criminal or pending criminal convictions with enrolment. Police screening is required for all applicants. In cases where a previous criminal conviction has been reported, applicants will be interviewed by the Director of Nursing and their prospects of gaining registration upon successful completion of the programme will be outlined.
To maintain confidentiality of information related to patients/clients, all students are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
The applicant must be able to attend practicum at specified times and places.
Provisional admission for foundation education students
Students may on the recommendation of the School of Foundation Studies, be offered the opportunity to undertake one or two selected courses of the Bachelor of Nursing programme while they are formally Foundation Education students. The choice of selected course(s) is at the discretion of the School of Nursing. Students admitted under this regulation must successfully complete both the selected Bachelor of Nursing programme courses and the Foundation Education courses in order to continue on the Bachelor of Nursing programme. Students who fail to meet this requirement will only be admitted to the Bachelor of Nursing programme once they have successfully completed the Foundation Education programme. Prior to admission under this regulation, students must comply with the English language requirements as outlined in Foundation Education programmes.
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below 13 courses (360 credits):
Level 5
722.539 Health science 1 (15 credits)
This course will lay the foundations of scientific knowledge required for future nursing practice including basic concepts and principles that determine normal functioning of the human body of specific systems.
722.541 Health science 2 (15 credits)
This course will lay the foundations of scientific knowledge required for future nursing practice including the basic structure, concepts and principles that underpin functioning of the human body specific body systems.
722.543 Foundations for professional development (15 credits)
Assists you to develop competence in critical thinking, teamwork and in personal and interpersonal skills required for academic study and future professional development. This course introduces you to ethical and legal responsibilities of the registered nurse.
722.544 Introduction to pharmacology (15 credits)
This course introduces you to the pharmacological concepts related to nursing practice. You will also examine the theory and issues related to medication administration.
722.553 Foundations of nursing (30 credits)
This course will introduce you to key concepts and the foundational skills underpinning nursing practice, in a New Zealand context, taking into account local, national and global perspectives on nursing.
722.556 Introduction to nursing practice (30 credits)
You will be introduced to the philosophy and principles of nursing practice within the inpatient and community setting.
Level 6
722.625 Professional practice (15 credits)
You will develop a greater understanding of the relationship between professional values and standards, ethical theories and principles and the law. The introduction of the principles of research and the application of evidence-based practice support the provision of quality nursing care.
722.674 Nursing with a community focus (45 credits)
Integrates clinical and theoretical components designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable you to extend your practice within the community setting.
722.675 Nursing with a mental health focus (45 credits)
Integrates clinical and theoretical components designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable you to extend your practice within mental health.
722.676 Nursing with an inpatient focus (45 credits)
Integrates clinical and theoretical components designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable you to extend your practice within the inpatient setting.
Level 7
722.725 Hauora Māori (15 credits)
You will explore the determinants of long-standing inequalities in health between Māori and non-Māori. You will identify strategies in everyday nursing practice to improve Māori health consumer experiences and Māori health outcomes.
722.726 Pacific health and wellness (15 credits)
Enables you to understand the many factors that impact on Pacific health and wellness and to identify how Pacific models of health and nursing models of care can strengthen the quality of life for Pacific people.
722.728 Focused experience and transition to practice (60 credits)
Integrates previous learning and skills and promotes an environment that supports students make the transition from student to a new graduate registered.
IT requirements
To complete this degree you will need to have access to a computer and the internet to retrieve course materials, undertake assessments and to participate in course online activities. Wireless internet access is available to students throughout all MIT buildings.
Visit our bring your own device guidelines for more information.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Career opportunities
A broad range of career options as a registered nurse. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must meet New Zealand residency criteria. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 4 December 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. Where the fees are indicative, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.