Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Next start date
2027 Semester One - 1 March; 2027 Semester Two – 19 July
Available locations
Grafton
Points
360
Programme type
Undergraduate
Conjoint options available

Programme overview

If you are passionate about making a difference to people’s health and contributing to innovative, impactful research, policy and practice that addresses present and future local, regional and global public health challenges, then the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) is for you.

Build your understanding of what shapes the health of populations, explore health trends and health systems and discover how you could play a role in changing health outcomes for our communities.

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

Programme highlights:

  • The programme offers two exciting health majors: Community Health, and Health Systems and Data Analytics giving you the opportunity to shape your degree around what matters most to you
  • If you’re interested in working with diverse communities, the Community Health major will prepare you to support population health priorities using health promotion and community development approaches
  • The Health Systems and Data Analytics major will prepare you to use data and technology to understand how the whole health system works and finding ways to make it smarter and more efficient
  • You can choose a single major, or broaden your focus by taking a double major or a conjoint degree. You also have the option to take a second major in Nutrition from the Bachelor of Science
  • Conjoint degree options: Combine the BHSc with Arts, Biomedical Science, Commerce, Global Studies, Law or Science
  • There are opportunities for work placements with a health employer in your final year of study
  • The programme also provides a pathway to apply into Year 2 undergraduate clinical programmes in Medicine, Medical Imaging, Optometry and Pharmacy

Programme structure

To complete a BHSc degree, you need to pass courses totalling 360 points. Most courses are worth 15 points, and you must complete the requirements for one or more majors.

In Stage I, you will need to complete a mix of core and elective courses depending on whether you choose to do a single or double major. Students who are intending to apply for selection into the Year 2 clinical programmes must also take specific courses in order to be eligible for clinical selection. Please consult the pages of the relevant Year 2 clinical programmes for detailed information.

Stages II and III each consist of courses that are core to both the programme and your chosen major(s), as well as Electives or your General Education course. 

Most students need to take one General Education course.

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

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

2026 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

The Bachelor of Health Sciences is a limited entry programme and the selection criteria is subject to University Council approval. The finalised selection criteria is expected to be available in September. 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
    200
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    200
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    28

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

Further requirements

To find out more about entry requirements, visit our Undergraduate Prospectus page.

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 minimum grades required for consideration for entry to this programme but they do not guarantee entry.

Further requirements

You must have a minimum of one semester (usually 6 months) of full-time study in an undergraduate degree programme from a recognised university (or similar institution), with a minimum GPA or GPE of 3.5 or higher, either across your last semester 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 to the University of Auckland. For more information, please 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

The Bachelor of Health Sciences is a limited entry programme and the selection criteria is subject to University Council approval. The finalised selection criteria is expected to be available in September. 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
    28
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5
  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
    Score required
    ABB
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

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

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:

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Health Sciences cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,885.60*
International students
NZ$42,818*

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 $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 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.

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 detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit 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.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2026
8 December 2025
Semester Two 2026
8 June 2026

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 detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit 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 detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

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

  • Health policy advisor
  • Health services manager
  • Health promoter
  • Health researcher
  • Health services consultant
  • Business development manager
  • Health economist
  • Community health lead

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.

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(09) 923 5025
Outside Auckland:
0800 61 62 63
International:
+64 9 373 7513