Bachelor of Health
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
360
Overview
Bachelor of Health
Introduction
Learn how to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities, while engaging with the health sector and its related fields.
With many subjects to explore, you will deepen your understanding of health and wellbeing to strengthen equity and examine global health challenges. Our subjects are developed to equip you with the specialist knowledge and skills to build a career in health.
Online study option
You can study either on campus or exclusively online. The online programme follows different term dates and has a more prescribed course list.
Bachelor of Health
What will my study involve?
- Gain a strong understanding and critical thinking around Health in the wider community and in the health care sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Work together with our communities, health organisations, and whānau to identify health barriers and challenges, and collaborate to develop effective strategies that promote Oranga | Wellbeing.
- Mātauranga Māori and bicultural competence and confidence are integrated into the degree.
- Study health models and concepts, learn the terminology of the health sector and gain effective communication skills.
Bachelor of Health
Entry requirements
To enrol in the degree, you will need:
- University Entrance (or equivalent). UC offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.
- If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Undergraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Recommended preparation
This degree is open to anyone with entry to UC, and no previous experience is required.
A passion for healthcare, advocating for others, and promoting healthy lifestyles will really support you in your study. A good standard of spoken and written English is also important.
Bachelor of Health
How do I plan my degree?
The Bachelor of Heath requires a minimum total of 360 points:
- at least 270 points from Health courses, including 6 compulsory courses
- the remaining 90 points can be from either Health courses or courses from other degrees.
A minimum of 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 6 years.
Majors and minors
BHlth students have the option of completing either:
- a major and a minor
- two majors (a double major)
Each major has specific course requirements, but all consist of a minimum of 135 points in a single Health subject. Of these, at least 45 points must be at 200-level and at least 60 points at 300-level.
A minor consists of a minimum of 75 points, including at least 45 points above 100-level, in a single subject chosen from Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health, Product Design, Science, Sport, or Youth and Community Leadership degrees.
Double degrees
It is possible to study a Bachelor of Health alongside other degrees at the same time, such as the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Commerce.
Find out more information about Double degrees.
Online study option
You can study either on campus or exclusively online. The online programme follows different term dates and has a more prescribed course list.
Bachelor of Health
Subjects and courses
The Bachelor of Health includes several major subject options across the health sector, and a wide range of minor choices.
If you are completing the online version of the BHlth, see Tuihono UC | UC Online for your course details.
For study on campus, complete the following:
Compulsory courses
100-level
- HLTH101 Introduction to Health Studies
- HLTH105 Communication for Practice
- HLTH106 Te Wero - Māori Health Issues and Opportunities
200-level
300-level
Major subjects
Minor subjects
Domestic students
2026 tuition fee estimate: $8,148 per 120 points
International students
2026 tuition fee estimate: $41,975 per 120 points
2027 tuition fee estimate: $43,820 per 120 points
Bachelor of Health
Further study
From 2027 Bachelor of Health graduates will be eligible to apply for entry into the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine in Waikato, opening in 2028.
UC's graduate and postgraduate Health options include:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate in Sport Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Registered Nurse Prescriber)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Science
- Master of Arts (Thesis) in Child and Family Psychology
- Master of Science in Child and Family Psychology
- Master of Counselling
- Master of Advanced Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Health Sciences with a variety of endorsement options
- Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice with a variety of endorsement options
- Doctor of Health Sciences
- Master of Sport Science
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences
Bachelor of Health
Career ready
- Complete an internship in the health sector in your third year of study.
- Gain the skills and knowledge to apply for certifications and accreditations for roles in the health sector such as Associate Registered Nutritionist (those with an Exercise and Sport Nutrition major), Drug and Alcohol Practitioners' Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ) (those with a Mental Health and Addiction major) and more.
- Learn the necessary skills to improve health and wellbeing through disease prevention, health promotion, and health service planning, delivery, and evaluation.
- Graduates work in throughout the health and wellbeing sector, in local and central government, aged residential care, policy, schools, Public National Health Service, Sport sector, local government, Health New Zealand regionally and nationally, NGOs, health promotion agencies, Māori health providers, and more.
- Pursue a medical career through the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine, opening in 2028.
Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
