Study for a degree in nursing

Bachelor of Nursing (Level 7)

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.

Māori and Pasifika pathways

If you are of Māori or Pasifika descent then you also have access to Te Ara Oranga while studying this programme.

Te Ara Oranga will support you to succeed in a way that suits your needs and you will get connected with industry, opening doors to your health career pathway.

Learn more

Please note: In accordance with the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021, Covid vaccinations are mandatory for workers in the healthcare sector.  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, will 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.

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 Manukau; one in February and one in July. For more information contact us on 09 968 8736 to speak to one of the admin team.

What are the course hours?

When you are in theory, lectures and tutorials are generally scheduled between 8am and 5pm, these notional hours will include 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 organisation however morning shifts start around 7am until 3.30pm and afternoon shifts are approximately 1 – 9.30pm (this may vary). 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 licence?

It is recommended that you have at least a restricted licence as you need to travel independently to all of the clinical placements. Some placements may require a full licence 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 individualised 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 discuss this upon application.

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

We welcome your application and we can work with you through the range of options in order to plan your pathway to registration as a 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?

We have a wide range of support services for students. These include Learning assistance, childcare centre, library facilities, disability services, language support, Kaiāwhina, Māori and Pacific support and counselling and health services.

How much does the course cost?

Course fees are set each year, please follow the link for current fee information. In addition to this students are required to purchase textbooks, uniforms, badge, clinical equipment and other items such as stationery or electronic devices as well as your registration for the final State Exam.

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.

Who can I talk to gain more information?

Feel free to contact us 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 relevant programme staff.

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. For more information please contact us on 09 968 8736 to speak to one of the admin team.

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, we can assist you to work out a pathway to entry.

If my IELTS 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, badge, clinical equipment 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 New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation:

Why do I need English language testing if I have passed courses in the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation?

They are testing two different things. The programme covers a range of content and skills to ensure you are fully prepared to study at degree level and the English language assessments, (IELTS) test English language proficiency. The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) requires all registered nurses who have not done their schooling in either New Zealand or Australia to provide evidence of English language proficiency at 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.

How do I prepare for IELTS?

Once you have booked with MIT you receive access to 30 hours free online training

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 New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation?

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 successful 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 the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation 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 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 studying the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation do I have to apply to the BN– and when should I do that – and who can be a referee?

Apply early in your programme. You will require one reference from a 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 to 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 facts

Start month(s)

February, July
Study location(s)

MIT Manukau
Level 7
Domestic fees

$7,000 (approx.)*

Click here to see individual course fees
Youth Guarantee (fees-free*)

Not available

Click here to find out more
Programme code MN4457
Duration

Full-time for 3 years (34 teaching weeks per year), part-time available for the first year only.
Study method

Full-time, Part-time
Credits 360
International fees NZD$25,100 per year (approx.)*
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship (fees-free*)

Not available

Click here to find out more
Qualification leads to

Bachelor of Nursing (Level 7)

See why more people choose nursing at MIT.
"I graduated feeling well prepared to enter the workforce.”
Meet Karen, one of our lecturers.
"This morning I was saving someone’s life."
"I draw my motivation from my own family."

“MIT is a great place to study. From the first moment I arrived, I felt welcome and like part of a big family. The small classes, great resources and support from our amazing lecturers kept me on track. They were always available when we needed help. The practical skills I learnt at MIT gave me confidence during my placements and I graduated feeling well prepared to enter the workforce.”

Fono McFarland
MIT alumni

“Having a profession where you can show your family that this is what I do, I think that’s really important for us. This morning I was saving someone’s life and at 3 o'clock, now I’m at home playing with my girls outside kicking a ball. That’s the sort of stuff money can’t buy and that’s the sort of stuff you get being a health professional."

Sonny Te Wao
MIT student

"I enjoy talking to people and connecting with people and when you get into nursing you have opportunities to do these things. I draw my motivation from my own family and wanting to give them the best care possible. One of the main things about being able to care for our people is allowing them to live in that space and be themselves in that space. Studies have proven that a person gets better quicker when you are able to look after them holistically. So you’re looking at the person as a whole and not just the condition."

Pauline Niu
MIT student

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
  • 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

OR

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.

Provisional entry

Students who have attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the minimum entry requirements for a programme or training scheme may be eligible to be enrolled. Such decisions must consider any applicable pre-requisites and will be made by the Head of School. Students who have not attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the required minimum entry requirements may also be eligible to be enrolled in exceptional circumstances where they can demonstrate capability for study at the required level. Such decisions must consider any applicable pre-requisites and will be made by the Head of School.

International students

Test your English level to help you plan.

Take our free online English test to get a basic indication of your English level. This will help you understand what programmes you can apply for and what preparation you may require before you start your programme of study.

Need IELTS?

Book your British Council IELTS test with us.

You will complete your test in one day, plus get free online tuition to help you succeed. We offer paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS. Choose computer-delivered IELTS and get your results in 3-5 days.

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.

Key dates and timetables

To find the key dates and timetables of this programme, please view the nursing calendar.

Career opportunities

A broad range of career options as a registered nurse. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.

MIT is becoming Te Pūkenga

Vocational education in Aotearoa is changing to better meet the needs of learners like you.

As part of this transformational change, MIT will next year become fully part of Te Pūkenga, a national network delivering skills training in a wide range of locations throughout Aotearoa. This means that while you’re applying with MIT now, from Semester 1, 2023 when you enrol you’ll become a Te Pūkenga learner.

The new system has the success and wellbeing of learners at its heart, and a review of all programmes is currently underway to help support this, including the programme that you’ve enrolled with. The aim is to make qualifications more portable, consistent and closely aligned with the needs of industry, and more in tune with where the world is headed.

As the programme review is ongoing, the courses outlined may be liable to change over time. Rest assured that we’ll notify you of any material changes to delivery that might impact what you’re studying, where you’re studying or the ways you’re learning.

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*Fee excludes course resource costs.

Information is correct as at 28 May 2022. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2022 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2022 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2022 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 2022 are based on the 2021 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2022. 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 Limited 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.

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