Duration
Full-time: 4 years
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
480
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

We have designed this programme with budding scientists in mind. It’s for students who want to pursue postgraduate research. From Chemistry to Computational Biology, and Ecology, the 10 specialisations available in the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) span the spectrum of the sciences.

You will develop advanced disciplinary knowledge and relevant research skills, and you’ll undertake original research in your chosen area. Depending on how well you do in your courses, you may be able to progress straight to a PhD.

You may be able to transfer between the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), with faculty approval.

Conjoint options

Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.

Learn more about conjoints

Programme structure

You’ll choose from one of the following 10 specialisations:

The programme comprises three core courses, courses from your chosen specialisation, including a research project, and some freedom to choose other courses from the Science schedules.   In your first year you’ll enrol in eight courses. You should include courses from your chosen specialisation, as well as a core course and other courses in the Science schedules.

In your second and third year you’ll enrol in a range of more advanced courses from your chosen specialisation – as well as additional core courses, and other courses within the Science schedules to add depth to your knowledge. In your final year you’ll enrol in a range of postgraduate-level courses from your specialisation, and you’ll complete your own research project in collaboration with one of our researchers.

core course requirements

Stage I: SCISCHOL 100a/b*, SUSTAIN 100, MAORI 130, SCIGEN101

Stage II: SCISCHOL 202A/B*, SUSTAIN 200, SCIGEN 201

Stage III: SCISCHOL 302A/B*, SUSTAIN 300, SCIGEN 301

*SCISCHOL is an application only programme for Science
Students, please check out the programme below if you’re interested in applying 

Apply to join the Science Scholars Programme 

Most students need to take one General Education course.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2024 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    260
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    310
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    32

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Further requirements

These are the grades required to be considered for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours). If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply and to also to apply for the Bachelor of Science. We will consider your application if places are still available:

ACG  360

TAY  360

Other groups  Equivalent

Returning students  GPA 5.0

All transferring students (secondary, tertiary in New Zealand or overseas)  GPE 5.0

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

Further requirements

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information, see External transfer of credit.

If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

My highest qualification is from this country or region:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You need to have one of the following:

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects. 
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.

Minimum grade, subject and other requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    36
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level
    Score required
    ABB
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.

You need to have the following:

One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas. 

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) cost per year?

2024 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,040.80 – $10,275.60*
International students
NZ$50,810 – $53,122*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Modules

What are modules?

A module is an optional grouping of three courses on a particular theme that enables you to add extra value to your degree.

You may take one or two modules in addition to your main Science subject. Completed modules will appear on your academic transcript.

What are the benefits of taking a module?

Taking a module means you can focus on a specific, skills-based area outside of your main Science subject. 

Modules allow you to develop and diversify your skill set for future employment, and could enhance your career prospects. 

How do I take a module?

It's simple – all you need to do is enrol in your first course. Once you have completed the required courses for your chosen module you will need to contact the Science Student Centre to have your module formally added to your BSc. 

Modules available 

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

While your Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) will prepare you for doctoral study, you’ll also emerge with the advanced knowledge and skills demanded by employers in your sector of interest.

Further study options

See all study options

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

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923 5025
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0800 61 62 63
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+64 9 373 7513