Health Sciences

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) is a three-year non-clinical degree designed to address gaps in the health workforce by producing graduates with multidisciplinary skills and an understanding of important national health issues.

New Zealand's health and disability sector is characterised by a diverse workforce made up of many occupations. This diversity is essential to be able to provide the range of services required to meet population health outcomes.

Features of the Bachelor of Health Sciences at UC

• Opens up a wide range of non-clinical career opportunities, both nationally and internationally, in careers such as health and public policy, public health, health management, and health research.
• Enables graduates to improve health and well-being through disease prevention, health promotion, and health service planning, delivery, and evaluation.
• The programme is based on the world-leading research undertaken by UC staff in the School of Health Sciences.
• Some majors offer the opportunity to undertake internships in health-related workplaces.
• The Public Health major meets the New Zealand competencies for public health and health promotion.

The BHSc requires a total of 360 points made up of:

• at least 135 points from compulsory courses
• at least 90 points from one subject major
• the remaining points may be taken from within Health Sciences or any other degree offered at UC.

Note: at least 225 of the total points must be above 100-level and at least 90 points must be for courses at 300-level.

Duration

The BHSc can be completed in three years by full-time study or up to six years by part-time study.

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Domestic applicants over 20 who do not hold University Entrance, or equivalent, may gain admission by providing evidence of their ability to complete tertiary study successfully. For information on gaining admission to UC please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.

You are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

Recommended preparation

For some majors, a background in biology, chemistry and statistics can be beneficial. If you would like to brush up on your knowledge in these areas, Headstart preparatory and summer catch-up courses are available.