Health study is changing in 2027
From 2027, you’ll have more choice in health related disciplines, with new and refreshed degrees, health majors and clearer routes into the health career you want.
More choice. Clear pathways. A future‑focused way to study health.
New technologies, new ways of working, and new health challenges mean the people who work in health need broader skills, and more flexible pathways.
From 2027, undergraduate health study at the University of Auckland has been redesigned to reflect this new reality. With a new degree, refreshed programmes, and specialised health majors, you’ll have more choice at the start of your journey, clearer pathways as you progress, and better support to shape a health career that fits who you are.
What’s changing from 2027?
More choice at the start
You can begin your health journey in a programme that matches your interests, whether that’s science and discovery, people and communities, or flexible science‑based health study.
Specialised health majors
Across Health Sciences and Science, you’ll be able to choose from eight specialised health majors, making it easier to tailor your degree around what excites you — from community wellbeing and health systems to biomedical discovery and nutrition.
Clearer pathways into clinical careers
There will be more Year 1 routes to apply into Year 2 clinical programmes, with clearer and more streamlined pathways into Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry, and Medical Imaging.
Strong options beyond clinical
Health careers don’t all happen in hospitals. The new structure also supports pathways into research, data, policy, innovation, public health, and industry, leaving your options open as your interests evolve.
Your study options from 2027
From 2027, you’ll be able to choose from four main undergraduate year 1 pathways into health, with more flexibility to explore before you specialise.
NEW: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)
A future‑focused degree for students interested in how the body works, how disease develops, and how scientific discoveries become real‑world health solutions.
This degree may suit you if you:
- Are curious about human biology, disease, and discovery
- Enjoy science and problem‑solving
- Are considering clinical pathways, research, or health innovation
Why choose Biomedical Science?
- A modern, integrated foundation across biomedical disciplines
- Case‑based, disease‑focused learning
- A cohort‑based experience that builds connection and belonging
- A clear Year 1 pathway to apply into Year 2 clinical programmes, including Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry, and Medical Imaging
It also prepares you for careers beyond clinical practice, including biomedical research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and postgraduate study.
LEARN MORE: Bachelor of Biomedical Science page coming soon
Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc)
A people‑centred degree focused on improving health outcomes for communities, populations, and health systems.
From 2027, Health Sciences offers two specialised majors, so you can shape your degree around the impact you want to make.
Community Health
- For students who want to work directly with people and communities
- Focuses on prevention, health promotion, advocacy, and equity
Health Systems and Data Analytics
- For students interested in data, systems, and problem‑solving
- Focuses on how health services are designed, delivered, and improved
The programme also has updated rank scores for 2027 entry
Health Sciences continues to offer a Year 1 entry pathway to apply into Year 2 clinical programmes, while also supporting a wide range of non‑clinical health careers and postgraduate study.
Health majors within the Bachelor of Science (BSc)
If you enjoy science and want flexibility, you can study health through a scientific lens within the Bachelor of Science.
From 2027, you’ll be able to choose from six new and refreshed health majors, including:
- Cell and Molecular Bioscience (new)
- Medicinal Chemistry (new)
- Nutrition (new)
- Exercise Sciences
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
These majors:
- Have updated rank scores for 2027 entry
- Offer clear pathways to apply into Year 2 clinical programmes
- Open doors to research and non‑clinical health careers in high‑demand areas
Bachelor of Nursing
If you’re motivated by caring for others, enjoy hands‑on learning, and want to make an immediate difference in people’s lives and communities, the Bachelor of Nursing continues to be an established programme offered at the University of Auckland and is not changing for 2027.
What this means for you
From 2027, health study is designed to give you choice, clarity, and confidence.
You’ll be able to:
- Explore different health pathways
- Keep multiple career options open
- Build future‑focused skills that employers value
- Shape a degree that reflects your strengths, interests, and values
Whether your future lies in clinical care, research, innovation, policy, systems, or working directly with communities, there’s a clear way to get there.
Your future in health starts here
Health careers don’t follow one path. With new and refreshed programmes, specialised majors, and clearer pathways, you can find the health career that’s right for you, and make a genuine difference in Aotearoa and beyond.
Disclaimer: Although every reasonable effort is made to ensure accuracy, the information on this page is provided only as a general guide and is subject to change and regulatory approval. Publication date: May 2026