The BHSc is a unique non-clinical programme of study that prepares graduates for a broad range of health-related careers. Enhance your future career options with a conjoint degree in Advanced Science, Arts, Commerce, Design, Global Studies, Law, Nursing or Science.
The BHSc provides a multidisciplinary understanding of health, healthcare and its services in New Zealand.
It focuses on population health, considering issues such as the socio-economic and behavioural factors affecting health and health provision.
It will provide an in depth understanding of the role governments play in determining health policy, how wealth systems function, and how the biological and social bases of ill-health exist in our communities.
Students in the first year of this programme are also able to apply for entry to our undergraduate clinical programmes in Medicine and Pharmacy.
The BHSc may also be taken as a conjoint degree, allowing you to enhance a degree in Advanced Science, Arts, Commerce, Design, Global Studies, Law, Nursing or Science with specialist health-based knowledge from our BHSc.
In your first year (Stage I) you will study a combination of core courses in population health and health systems (135 points)
You have a selection of elective courses you can choose from the Bachelor of Health Sciences Schedule (120 points)
For your second and third years (Stage II-III), you can either pursue a generic BHSc degree or choose from one of our career pathways that will allow you to focus on a particular subject.
Pathways are:
Health Promotion
Mental Health and Addictions
Population Health Nutrition
Health Systems
Health Information and Analysis
You can check out our degree planners to see how you can structure your degree for each pathway.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
Sample programme structure
Yr1 Med 120 points
Code:
POPLHLTH 101
Name:
Health Systems 1
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
POPLHLTH 102
Name:
Health and Society
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
POPLHLTH 111
Name:
Population Health
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
HLTHPSYC 122
Name:
Behaviour, Health and Development
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
BIOSCI 107
Name:
Biology for Biomedical Science: Cellular Processes and Development
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
2023 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.
You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
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
NCEANational Certificate of Educational Achievement
Score required
250
Minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in one of English, Geography, History, Classical Studies, History of Art, Te Reo Māori (or Te Reo Rangatira) or Social Studies and a minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Qualification
CIECambridge International Examinations
Score required
300
One of English, Geography, History, Classical Studies and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics at full A Level
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
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. You can also gain entry if you have met the guaranteed entry requirements through New Zealand or Australian secondary school qualifications, which must have been completed within the last year.
You must have a minimum of one year of full-time study in an undergraduate degree programme from a recognised university (or similar institution), with a GPA or GPE of 5.0 or higher, either across your last year of full-time study, or across your entire degree so far.
Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. 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.
If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
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
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
Score required
33
+
Qualification
IELTS AcademicInternational English Language Testing System
If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
You can gain entry to the BHSc if you complete the University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies at Academic Colleges Group (ACG) with an overall score of 270 or higher in four subjects, including one science subject.
You can gain entry to the BHSc if you complete the Auckland Foundation Year at Taylors College (Auckland) with an overall score of 310 or higher, including one science subject.
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 Health Sciences cost per year?
2023 fees
Domestic students
NZ$8,558*
International students
NZ$37,523*
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 $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 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.
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
The Semester Two start date is not available for those wanting to apply for Medicine or Pharmacy through the First Year entry category.
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.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in the School of Population Health will be able to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of populations because of their skills, knowledge and experience in the following areas.
Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
1.1 Explain factors that affect the health and wellbeing of whole populations including (1) social, political, economic, environmental and cultural determinants and (2) the leading causes of morbidity, mortality and the potential for disease, disability and injury prevention.
1.2 Evaluate significant conceptual theories and apply current models and methodological approaches in the health sciences to address inequity and improve the health and wellbeing of populations.
Critical Thinking
2.1 Contest knowledge and practice, ideas and research, drawing on multiple sources and perspectives, to engage in reflective practice about health inequalities, inequities and outcomes.
2.2 Locate and evaluate information, and analyse qualitative and quantitative data about health, to construct reasoned arguments and interpretations.
2.3 Engage in a continuous process of reflection on one’s own practice and actively participate in self-audit, including in respect of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Solution Seeking
3.1 Form and evaluate research strategies, including developing research questions, and discern and assess possible methods for answering them.
3.2 Apply disciplinary theory, analysis, research and creative skills in seeking solutions to complex health problems and inequities.
3.3 Take a systems-based approach to designing responses to challenges in health, health systems and society.
Communication and Engagement
4.1 Use, manage, present and communicate information effectively using clear English and/or te reo Māori in a range of media and formats.
4.2 Demonstrate understanding of self in relation to others, reflecting on one’s own and others’ world viewpoints and principles of cultural safety.
4.3 Build and enable respectful and sustainable collaborative relationships to improve health within diverse communities.
Independence and Integrity
5.1 Recognise the responsibilities associated with autonomous academic inquiry and engage in scholarship respectfully and constructively.
5.2 Identify the ethical dimensions of contexts, actions and policies and draw upon ethical theory to formulate and justify principled responses.
5.3 Navigate personal, academic and professional challenges with integrity, taking responsibility for academic and professional decisions and conduct.
Social and Environmental Responsibilities 6.1 Demonstrate a commitment to practice in accordance with the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the context of improving indigenous health and upholding indigenous rights.
6.2 Appraise national and global dimensions of intellectual, political, environmental, and economic activities affecting health.
6.3 Lead and be advocates of health in diverse community, including accepting social and civic responsibilities.
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?
This degree can lead to careers in non-clinical fields in healthcare. BHSc graduates are sought after for roles in the public, private and charitable sectors.
You may apply for entry into our faculty's Medicine, Nursing or Pharmacy programmes at the end of the first year. Alternatively, you could further your graduate study in public health, health sciences or health management.
Taking a conjoint degree in Arts, Commerce, Nursing, Law or Science enhances your career options. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.
Postgraduate study options The School of Population Health offers a range of postgraduate courses that are available.
We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.
Key Information for Students
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