University of Canterbury Health Sciences

Qualifications

Overview

Health is an enduring issue for society; it concerns everybody at every stage in life. Health Sciences at UC prepares students to contribute in a meaningful way to the health issues that face our communities. Health Sciences students have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive overview of health and health care, inclusive of a range of approaches and understandings, and the practical application of knowledge and skills in health settings.



The non-clinical, multidisciplinary BHSc degree programme covers important and timely topics such as mental health and wellbeing, sexual health promotion, environmental health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, Māori and indigenous people’s health, health through the life-span, and evidence-based policy and decision making.



Many Health Sciences courses may be taken as part of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc), or included in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.



Why study Health Sciences at UC?

  • BHSc graduates are increasing in demand from Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), primary health organisations and other regional and further afield organisations.
  • The BHSc includes a wide variety of courses, allowing you to keep your options open and learn about many different areas before embarking on your career.
  • UC is ranked first in Aotearoa New Zealand for research in Public Health (Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission 2018 PBRF assessment).
  • Some BHSc majors offer the opportunity for practical placement and skills development in health-related workplaces.
  • It provides a broad foundation for working in the wider health sector, pursuing postgraduate opportunities for a specific health career, or future work as a health and wellbeing researcher.
  • Te Kura Mātai Hauora | School of Health Sciences is well equipped for conducting a wide range of research and projects.
  • Involved and attentive academic staff will look for ways to help you to achieve your goals.
  • Students who complete the Public Health major for the BHSc will be able to meet the generic public health competencies and the health promotion competencies for Aotearoa