Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Next start date
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
Grafton
Points
360
Programme type
Undergraduate
Conjoint options available

Programme overview

If you have a broad interest in public health, and especially if you're passionate about addressing social problems, then our Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) is a great place to start your journey.

Our unique programme builds multidisciplinary understanding of health and healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand - blending deep insights into the biological, social, cultural, and behavioural dimensions of health and illness.

Programme highlights:

  • Great prospects for employment in the public, private or community non-profit sector
  • A pathway into undergraduate clinical programmes in Medicine and Pharmacy
  • A work placement experience with a health employer in your final year of study
  • Insights into social, cultural, environmental, behavioural, and biological understandings of wellness and ill-health
  • Opportunities for overseas study, internships and experiential learning

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 (120 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.

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.

Sample programme structure

Yr1 Med 120 points

  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 101
    Name:
    Introduction to Health Systems
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 102
    Name:
    Social Determinants of Health
    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
    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
  • Code:
    WTRMHS 100
    Name:
    Waipapa Taumata Rau
    Type:
    Core 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
  • Code:
    WTRMHS 100
    Name:
    Waipapa Taumata Rau
    Type:
    Core 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:
    POPLHLTH 216
    Name:
    Quantitative Methods in Health
    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 301, 305–307, 311–316, STATS 330
    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

Where could this programme take you?

Employers in both the public and private sectors seek our graduates. Our BHSc opens up a range of exciting career opportunities in the health and social sectors, including the roles listed below.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Policy analyst
  • Health services manager
  • Health promoter
  • Health researcher
  • Health services consultant
  • Business development manager
  • Health economist
  • Community addictions counsellor

After being pulled towards two potential career paths, Huma was delighted to find she could pursue both at the University of Auckland.

Read more

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

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Experience the University

Study pathways in health sciences

The BHSc offers five specialised pathways, which can lead to a range of rewarding careers.

Careers in health sciences

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