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

Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.
Learn more about conjointsProgramme 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.
- 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.
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 moreStudent 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.
Experience the University

Study pathways in health sciences
The BHSc offers five specialised pathways, which can lead to a range of rewarding careers.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513