Bachelor of Nursing (Level 7)

Programme highlights

Become a highly skilled and adaptable nurse, and get hands-on clinical experience in placements across community, public and private healthcare settings. 

Combine coursework with clinical placements to become a registered nurse with a sound theoretical knowledge base and practical nursing skills. Learn about different types of nursing, such as community and inpatient nursing. 

Develop social, cultural and political awareness to contribute a unique perspective to the complex healthcare environment, including health delivery to Māori. 

Apply your learning in real-world situations as an essential part of a healthcare team. 

We want all our students to succeed, and Māori students have access to wrap-around support with a kaiāwhina, a whānau room and Ngā Ringa Āwhina group.

Key facts

Nursing at MIT: watch now

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the Bachelor of Nursing?

The programme is three years of full time study and must be completed within 5 years.

When can I start?

There are two intakes a year at the MIT Faculty of Nursing and Health Studies, one in February and one in July.

What are the course hours?

When you are in theory, lectures and tutorials are generally scheduled between 8.00am and 5.00pm, however you will also have self directed learning activities to complete in your own time. When you are on clinical placement, the hours vary considerably.

Will I have to do shift work when on clinical placement?

You are required to be able to manage your personal responsibilities so you can undertake the different start and finish times for clinical placements. Shift and start times will vary according to the organization however morning shifts start around 7.00am until 3.30pm and afternoon shifts are approximately 1.00pm – 9.30pm. When you are completing your clinical experience as a transition student, prior to finishing the degree, you will have the opportunity to work the same shift as your preceptor which may include night shifts and weekends.

Where will I go for my clinical experience and do I have to provide my own transport?

Students have clinical placements in the greater Auckland area extending from Pukekohe/Waiuku to Central and West Auckland. Areas outside of this would be negotiated with you. Students must be able to travel independently to all of their clinical placements.

Do I need to have a full driver’s license?

It is recommended that you have at least a restricted license as you need to travel independently to all of the clinical placements. Some placements may require a full license as you may be required to drive a vehicle with passengers.

I am an enrolled nurse. What credit will I get for this?

Credit will be individualized depending on when you completed the Enrolled Nurse Diploma so a process of recognition of prior learning process will need to be undertaken.  You can make an appointment to speak to the Faculty Leader Nursing in the first instance.

I have not studied for many years, can I still apply?

The Faculty welcomes your application and we can work with you through the range of options in order to plan your pathway to registration as a Comprehensive nurse. There are a range of options available for you if you don’t initially meet the entry criteria. Currently entry criteria is university entrance or through foundation education for students over 20 years of age.

What support is available for students?

The Faculty and MIT have a wide range of support services for students. These include Learning assistance, childcare center, library facilities, disability services, language support, Kai Awhina, Maori and Pacific Island support and counselling and health services.

Is accommodation available?

Manukau Institute of Technology has a student village with rooms to rent, for more information phone 09 968 8000 or 0800 22 62 62.

How much does the course cost?

Course fees are set each year, please follow the link for current fee information - https://www.manukau.ac.nz/study-options/areas-of-study/nursing-and-health-studies/nursing-and-health-studies/bachelor-of-nursing. In addition to this students are required to purchase textbooks, uniforms and other items such as stationery or electronic devices as well as your registration for the Final State Exam and Nursing Council of New Zealand Medal.

Are there any scholarships available?

MIT produces a booklet outlining scholarships and grants available and staff pass information on to students as it becomes available.  

This booklet can be downloaded from the MIT website: www.manukau.ac.nz.

Who can I talk to gain more information?

Feel free to contact our Faculty on 09 968 8736 to speak to one of the admin team initially and an appointment can be made for you to meet with the Faculty Leader Nursing.  

Do you have the course available part time, and what are the hours and how flexible are these?

Part time study is only available in the first year and is very limited in terms of flexibility.

I have been a caregiver for quite some time, does this qualify me for entry?

Having caregiving experience won’t qualify an applicant for entry to a nursing degree programme however you can meet with the Faculty Leader Nursing to work out a pathway for yourself.

If my IELTS/ELPTS score is not 6.5 in all bands, can I still enter the programme?

The results of the English language test need to be 6.5 in all bands. Applicants can re-sit the test and focus on the bands they did not achieve. An English language assessment is required of anyone whose schooling was not in New Zealand even if the medium of teaching was in English. The exception is for applicants who schooled in Australia or applicants who have completed at least 3 years of secondary education in New Zealand and who have achieved the literacy credits for UE.

What are the holiday periods? Do they coincide with national school holidays?

The programme often has holidays that coincide with school holidays in the first year however after that students frequently do not have school holidays.

Are uniforms and books included in the fees?

Uniforms and books are not included and there are other items that need to be purchased including an electronic device. The Programme Administrators can give you a more detailed list of items and costs.  Other costs will include transport and parking for example when on clinical placement.

Specific information for students applying from the School of Foundation Studies (SOFS) at MIT:

Why do I need English language testing if I have passed courses at the School of Foundation Studies?

They are testing two different things.  Courses at SOFS cover a range of content and skills to ensure you are fully prepared to study at degree level and the English language assessments, either IELTS or ELPTS test English language proficiency. The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) requires all nurses who have not done their schooling in either New Zealand or Australia to provide evidence of English language proficiency and NCNZ requires 7.0 minimum in all bands.  We assume that as you will be studying in English, your scores will increase over the three year degree so we will accept a minimum of 6.5 in all bands.

Why do I need an English language assessment if all my schooling was in English?

As above, if your schooling was in either New Zealand or Australia and you meet literacy for University Entrance you will have evidence of your ability to study a degree in an English language medium.

What if I haven’t got 6.5 in all bands?

As 6.5 in all bands is the minimum for entry you will not be considered to have met entry requirements.

What if my IELTS result is not ready in time?

You should inform us of the test date and the expected date of your results and we may be able to offer you an opportunity to attend orientation while we await your results. There is no offer of a place at this stage and this would only be available to applicants who had actioned the request for an English test within an appropriate timeframe. You are encouraged to action any request for additional information as soon as possible.

Am I guaranteed entry to the BN if I have B grades from foundation courses?

You may be offered a place subject to a B grade or higher, suitable references and available places. We would accept applicants from a list that is in order of application date. Therefore, the sooner you apply the better your chances of getting in to the next intake. We do try to accommodate all SOFS students, however sometimes the demand for places on the BN exceeds available places and you may be offered a place on the next available intake. If a place does become available you may be contacted to see if you would like the earlier place.

What if I don’t get a B grade in all courses and why do I need a minimum B grade for entry?

As a B grade or higher in all 4 compulsory Level 4 subjects is the minimum for entry, you will not be considered to have met entry requirements.  A degree begins at level 5 and finishes at level 7.   It is important that you are well prepared as it is an intensive programme of study that requires a sound knowledge base to be adequately prepared and to enhance your chances of being successful.

If I applied to the BN and was referred to a foundation programme, do I have to reapply (and do I need more referee reports)?

We can hold your application for one semester.  If you are required to study at SOFS for more than one semester we will require a new application unless overall you are still within one year of first applying for the programme.

If I am at a foundation programme do I have to apply to the BN– and when should I do that – and who can be a referee?

Apply early in your final semester at the SOFS. You will require one reference from a SOFS lecturer and no reference can be over one year old when you start in the BN so you may need new references. Your other referee should meet the requirements stated on the application form.

Which programme should I apply for - the BN or the BNP - and should I try for the Diploma in Enrolled nursing course as well?

Check the programme descriptions and get a sense of which one will allow you to meet your own personal aspirations. You can make an appointment for the drop in centre and talk to a staff member if you are unsure about programme selection. Each course above has been accredited and approved and therefore the most appropriate programme is a matter of personal choice for the applicant along with the appropriate entry criteria.

Key information for students

Bachelor of Nursing