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Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc)

Overview

Together, we can ensure better health for all

Health systems in the future will see more initiatives in the community.

New health roles will be developed to deliver these initiatives and help individuals negotiate the jigsaw of health services available. Public health approaches will become increasingly important to address the broad health issues facing us in the future.

This career-focused qualification concentrates on the skills required to work with people and communities to promote health and ensure they access and receive the most appropriate care.

Navigate changing global health systems

As our world becomes more interconnected, new challenges are impacting the health and well-being of our communities.

These challenges include:

  • Populations and people living for longer, and often with multiple long-term conditions and disabilities
  • Limited health resources and greater demand for services
  • Environmental and social change and their effects on health

With these challenges comes an increasing need to develop innovative approaches to health care.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) is a three-year degree for those who want to be an integral part of these new healthcare approaches, with the opportunity to major (specialise) in four different areas.

Which major is right for you?

Career pathways

As a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) graduate, you may work in a variety of roles in the healthcare system. Or use your qualification as a foundation for further study in one of the health professional programmes or at postgraduate level.

Rewarding careers exist in government policy, health promotion, and case management – it's not just doctors or dentists who make a difference.

RoleDetails
Case manager Work in organisations that fund people's care or welfare and help people recover after injury.
Community health worker Use specific cultural or community knowledge and strong networks within communities to promote health.
Health promoter Plan, implement, and evaluate activities that promote health and well-being in communities.
Primary care co-ordinator Help people find their way through the care offered by multiple providers in the community.
Policy analyst Develop and implement public health policy, programmes, and regulation. Investigate how resources are allocated to, and used in, different health systems in both the public and private sector.
Programme co‑ordinator Research, plan, implement, and evaluate health programmes and community networking.
Rehabilitation co‑ordinator Analyse and develop rehabilitation plans that suit your client's aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
Whānau ora navigator Develop and implement whānau aspirational plans within a community setting.

Please note: The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) is different to Health Sciences First Year (HSFY). If you are intending to apply for one of the Health Sciences professional programmes based on your performance in your first year of study, you need to enrol in the Health Sciences First Year course.

Ready to apply?

If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.

Programme details

University jargon

Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.


Minor subjects

A minor subject can be included in many undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level. Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject.

Selecting a minor subject is not compulsory and there may be other combinations of papers more appropriate to your degree.


Further study

We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at Honours, Master's and PhD level.


More information

Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams

Want to connect with a real person and get some advice? Find your Schools' Liaison officer, chat with our International team in New Zealand or your own country, or submit a question through our online form.


This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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