Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Next start date
2020 Semester One – 2 March
2020 Semester Two – 20 July
Available locations
Tāmaki
Points
360
Programme type
Undergraduate
Conjoint options available

Programme overview

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 Arts, Commerce, Law, Nursing or Science with specialist health-based knowledge from our BHSc.

Check out the Faculty's FAQs.

Programme structure

  • This is a three year degree (360 points)
  • 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:

Find out more

Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.

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.

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
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    CHEM 110
    Name:
    Chemistry of the Living World
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    MEDSCI 142
    Name:
    Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Yr1 NonMed 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
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 202
    Name:
    Research Methods in Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 204
    Name:
    Health Care Ethics
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 210
    Name:
    Equity and Inequalities in Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    MAORIHTH 201
    Name:
    Introduction to Maori Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    STATS 101
    Name:
    Introduction to Statistics
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II or III course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II or III course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 3 120 points

  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 300
    Name:
    Health Sector Professional Competencies
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 302
    Name:
    Health Service Placement
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    one of
    Name:
    MAORIHTH 301, POPLHLTH 312, 313
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    one of
    Name:
    POPLHLTH 301, 303, 304, 311, 316
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    one of
    Name:
    MAORIHTH 301, POPLHLTH 305-307, 312, 313
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II or III Course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II or III Course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II or III Course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

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.

2020 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
    250
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    300
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    33

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

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

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.

Further requirements

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.

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:

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 with at least a 'C' grade or higher. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). For entry based on CIE you must first meet the University Entrance (UE) standard. 

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 GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included. Your CIE score (rank score) will be calculated based on your AS and A Level results.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    33
    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 General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
    Score required
    BBB
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    CIE University of Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    300
    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:

You must have completed one semester of successful bachelors degree study from a New Zealand tertiary institution, or one year of successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree qualification from a New Zealand tertiary institution.

See information about prior tertiary study 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.

Other pathways to study

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

  • 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?

2019 fees

Domestic students
NZ$6,120 – $7,942.80*
International students
NZ$33,040*

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 $7.06 per point, estimated at $847.20 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

  • You may apply for Semester One any time up until the closing date.
  • 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.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2019
8 December 2018
Semester Two 2019
4 July 2019

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

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.

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.

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.

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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