Postgraduate Programme Manager Jane Elder said demand had steadily increased over recent years, reflecting nurses' commitment to professional development and lifelong learning.
"We've seen a huge increase in numbers. Our postgraduate nursing enrolments have grown by around 85% since 2020, which shows just how strongly nurses are engaging with postgraduate education."
Mrs Elder, who joined SIT's School of Nursing in 2019 and became Postgraduate Programme Manager at the beginning of 2026, said the growth was the strongest she had seen during her time at SIT.
She believes a key factor behind the increase is the flexibility offered through SIT's postgraduate programmes. Most papers are delivered online or through HyFlex learning, enabling students to balance study alongside professional and family commitments.
"I think a big thing for students is the flexibility that we offer. All of them are either online or HyFlex and so it gives students that flexibility to be able to work it into their work life, family life and then study."
The programmes are attracting students from throughout New Zealand, including significant cohorts from Marlborough, Manawatū and Auckland. Mrs Elder says word-of-mouth recommendations are playing an important role in this growth.
"Anecdotally, talking to students, they know someone who has studied on the programme and they really enjoyed it. We do see at times pockets of students, such as a group who work in the surgical ward, they might all be doing the programme together; it's also that collegial element, the support of studying together as well."
SIT's Zero Fees Scheme is also helping make postgraduate study more accessible, particularly for healthcare professionals who do not receive workforce funding support. "Zero fees is definitely something that's quite a big driver. Especially if they don't get health workforce funding."
Mrs Elder said postgraduate study allows nurses to meet their professional competency requirements while building confidence and expertise in their practice.
"There is, in terms of our registration as nurses, a need to keep studying and we need to provide evidence of that. Postgraduate studies are a really good, quantifiable way of showing that you are meeting your competencies."
She believes nursing has evolved into a profession where undergraduate study is just the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.
"…I think nursing has changed now in that once you finish your degree, it's not the end point. It's almost the starting point for learning more and for specialising. I think nurses are naturally curious people as well. They want to find out more."
SIT offers a range of postgraduate qualifications, including the Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in the Art and Science of Healthcare, and the Master of Nursing Science, which was introduced this year.
Students can staircase through qualifications, beginning with a certificate, progressing to a diploma, and continuing into a master's degree.
"Again, it opens more doors for people; if they want to study more in the future they can …"
Mrs Elder points out that the Art and Science of Healthcare qualifications recognise effective healthcare extends beyond clinical knowledge. "There's more to good nursing than just science. There's also an art to it, such as communicating with patients; being able to explain and discuss things with them"
Popular papers include Pharmacology, Pain Management, Advanced Health Assessment and Pathophysiology, all of which provide practical knowledge that can be applied across a wide range of healthcare settings.
“People could grow a third arm, and they wouldn't necessarily seek healthcare unless it hurts,” she says, explaining the popularity of the Pain Management paper. “Pain is almost the universal leveller that people experience. If you work in primary healthcare, in ICU or outpatients or in aged care, wherever you are, you will come across people who have pain. It's very applicable…”
Mrs Elder said SIT's programmes appeal to both recent graduates keen to continue learning and experienced nurses returning to study after time away from formal education. "It could be someone that hasn't studied for a number of years who's decided, actually, I want to come back into study now, and I'll do one paper to start with."
Also attractive to returning students are the strong links between undergraduate, postgraduate and master's study. Mrs Elder says they benefit from continuity and familiarity with academic staff throughout their educational journey.
School of Nursing Academic Lead (Head), Nursing and Master of Nursing Science Programme Manager, Karyn Madden, is very pleased with the solid numbers and strong interest in the recently added Master of Nursing Science programme. “The numbers are good for a first-year intake. We have quite a wide variety of students, from as far north as Auckland and Hamilton,” she said, affirming the flexibility of SIT’s learning is helping to drive enrolments.
“It’s very appealing; the course can be studied completely online, to fit in around the student’s other responsibilities, such as family and life and work, and they receive one-on-one support; we tailor those sessions around their work and other commitments.”
“The master’s is also under the Zero Fees Scheme which is something really important to note; it creates equitable access to higher learning, by reducing financial barriers.”
Mrs Madden points out that once the student has completed a postgraduate diploma, achieving their master’s degree is only two papers away. “It’s a very attractive package: zero fees, flexible learning and they've only got two more papers to do…”
Registered Nurse, Susan Symon, has tackled her postgraduate studies one paper at a time. Her first paper was Health Management. “I really enjoyed it,” she says. “I’m all into making the workplace better. I surprised myself; I passed.” It was meant to be just one paper, but she started another.
However, a breast cancer diagnosis requiring surgery, radiation and then chemo almost derailed Susan’s progress. Thinking it would mean an end to her studies, Susan contacted her programme manager, who had other ideas. “Karyn (Madden) said ‘you can do this. I’m going to extend all your due dates till the end of the year.’” Susan persevered and achieved the Postgraduate Certificate in the Art and Science of Health Care. Then she completed another two papers and ended 2025 jubilantly; cancer free and with a postgraduate diploma.
Susan shares originally she wasn’t going to continue onto the master’s, admitting “I didn’t feel I was academic enough to complete it.” She had also booked a dream trip to South Africa with her husband to join the Greatest Rivalry rugby tour.
But once again, SIT support showed up. “Karyn reminded me of what I’d achieved. She said, ‘If you can complete your post grad during cancer treatment and chemo, just imagine what you can do now. You are not climbing Everest; you are climbing Bluff hill with lots of support and guidance.’”
Susan explains her course requirements could be changed due to the South Africa trip, allowing her to complete her master’s. “SIT has always made dreams achievable for students.”
And time away has given Susan space to mull over her research topic. "I am currently thinking of doing my research around our recent roster change. The good, the bad, and the data to provide feedback to our department."
Ultimately, Susan hopes that completing her master’s will support her personal growth and development. "Growth in how to implement change, to encourage others to achieve higher goals and that you do master’s at any age." She has big motivation to keep going; Susan is role modelling lifelong learning to her daughter Hannah, who’s training to be a Nurse at SIT as well.
“I want my daughter to dream big in nursing so that she can be anything she wants to be. When I trained, further education wasn’t encouraged. Nursing has changed and you must keep studying to stay ahead of the next generation.”
Mrs Madden said she expects the programme will continue to grow in popularity because it ticked all the boxes for postgraduate study; it’s flexible, the students are well supported, and it’s a highly desirable qualification to add to their CV and progress their careers.
A Master of Nursing Science Information Evening is being held online on 21st of September at 7:00pm. Find out more and have your questions answered by Master of Nursing Science Programme Manager Karyn Madden.
Microsoft Teams meeting – scan the QR code