The BHSc is a three-year programme that provides a comprehensive overview of health and healthcare. It is a multidisciplinary qualification and our graduates are using their skills in the health sector and beyond.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s health and disability sector is characterised by a diverse workforce made up of many occupations. This diversity is essential to providing the range of services required to meet individual and public health outcomes.
Subjects and Courses
The first year of study gives students a foundation in Health Sciences through core courses introducing students to health studies, human biology, epidemiology, and Māori health. The following years provide more depth in health promotion in Aotearoa New Zealand, decision making for policy and care, and applied research.
Students will also undertake courses from their chosen major throughout the degree.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Major subjects
You can study a single or double major. Students select their specialisation(s) from six majors, designed to provide graduates with particular skills and knowledge:
- Environmental Health
- Health Education
- Māori and Indigenous Health
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Society and Policy
Compulsory courses
All BHSc students take the following compulsory courses throughout their degree:
Year 1
- HLTH 101 Introduction to Health Studies
- HLTH 106 Te Wero – Māori Health Issues and Opportunities
- HLTH 110 Epidemiology
- BIOL 116 Human Biology
Year 2
- HLTH 201 Health Promotion
- HLTH 202 Health and Society: Applied Research for Aotearoa
- MAOR 270 Te Ao Hauora Tangata: Māori Health Perspectives
Year 3
- HLTH 301 Evidence in Health
Workplace skills and knowledge
This degree will provide students with an awareness of the critical health challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand. Essential workplace skills will be gained in cultural competency and working with communities to improve health outcomes. Students will graduate being able to evaluate quantitative, qualitative, and Kaupapa Māori information, equipping them for decision making in the workplace.
Graduating BHSc students who complete HLTH 312 Health Planning, Implementation and Evaluation are recognised by the Health Promotion Forum as meeting the foundation knowledge and understanding of Health Promotion Competencies for New Zealand | Ngā Kaiakatanga Hauora mō Aotearoa.