Health majors in Science
From 2027 there will be more pathways in Science for students that would like to pursue health-related disciplines.
Six Bachelor of Science (BSc) health majors offer a year one entry pathway into the following year two clinical programmes: Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry and Medical Imaging (Honours)
The BSc is a flexible degree that allows you to take non-health subjects alongside your health major, providing the scope to align your study with your interests. Diverse career pathways are available to students who choose not to pursue clinical programmes, or are not selected.
Structuring your programme
Year 1: BSc with health major(s)
From here, students can move into two broad pathways in year two:
1. Year two Non-clinical pathway
- Students continue in a BSc
- From the BSc, they can progress to:
- BSc (Honours), or
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- These can lead to a Masters degree
- From a Masters degree, students can progress to a PhD
2. The following year two Clinical Health Programmes:
(entry requires clinical selection)
- Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) - 3 years (BMedImag(Hons))
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery - 5 years (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Optometry - 4 years (BOptom)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy - 3 years followed by a one year internship (BPharm)
Note: Application for clinical programmes is due by 1 July of the first year for entry the following year.
BSc health majors
To be eligible for clinical selection, you must enrol in a BSc in at least one of the following six health majors. These majors provide clear pathways into clinical health programmes and broaden options for research or non-clinical careers.
Cell and Molecular Bioscience
Cell and Molecular Bioscience (CMB) is biology at the scale of molecules and cells, focusing on their functions and interactions. You will study microbes, plants, animals and humans - from molecular machines to gene editing. Learn more about CMB
Exercise Sciences
Exercise Sciences explores how and why humans move, including physical activity, rehabilitation, sport and movement as contributors to sustainable health.
Learn more about Exercise Sciences
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry is the study of the design and synthesis of drugs, including biochemical effects and the regulatory and ethical aspects of developing treatments. Learn more about Medicinal Chemistry
Nutrition
Nutrition explores how food influences health and wellbeing at every stage of life - from the biological functions of nutrients, to the social, cultural and environmental factors that shape what we eat. Learn more about Nutrition
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of biologically active chemicals used to modify, cure, or prevent illness. It underpins the discovery and testing of therapies through the drug development process. Learn more about Pharmacology
Physiology
Physiology is the study of how the body works and what goes wrong in disease, from the cellular to the whole-body level. It reveals how finely tuned systems work together - and how their disruption leads to disease. Learn more about Physiology
Required courses
You must be enrolled in one of the six health majors and complete the following four common courses. A combined GPA of at least 6 across these courses and a B or higher grade across all eight courses will make you eligible for selection into clinical programmes.*
- CHEM 190
- BIOSCI 107
- MEDSCI 142
- POPLHLTH 111
You also need to complete a Waipapa Taumata Rau (WTRSCI 100) course.
* Students who do not seek clinical selection can take health majors without completing the four common courses listed above, or WTRSCI 100.
Updated admissions requirements
| Programme | NCEA Lvl 3 | Cambridge International | International Baccalaureate |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc - health majors | 200 | 200 | 28 |
| BSc - all other majors / specialisations | 165 | 170 | 26 |
Example year one degree structure in chosen health major
| Semester one | Semester two |
|---|---|
| BIOSCI 107 | MEDSCI 142 |
| CHEM 190 | WTRSCI 100 |
| POPLHLTH 111 | General Education or Elective |
| Numeracy/Major/Elective | Numeracy/Major/Elective |
Other undergraduate year one pathways into health
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.
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.