Bachelor of Health Sciences
BHSc
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
- Master of Health Sciences
- Doctor of Health Sciences
Download Brochure
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
- Master of Health Sciences
- Doctor of Health Sciences
Download Brochure
Overview
The Bachelor of Health Sciences (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.
- 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 wellbeing 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 Te Kura Mātai Hauora | School of Health Sciences.
- Some majors offer the opportunity to undertake internships in health-related workplaces.
- The Public Health major meets the Aotearoa New Zealand competencies for public health and health promotion.
- UC is ranked first in Aotearoa New Zealand for research in Public Health (Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission 2018 PBRF assessment).
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For information on the enrolment process, please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.
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.
Bachelor of Health Sciences – example degree structure
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Compulsory courses
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Major courses
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Courses from Health Sciences or other degrees
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
The BHSc requires a total of 360 points:
- 135 points of compulsory courses
- at least 120 points of Health Sciences courses
- the remaining 105 points from Health Sciences or from other degrees
At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.
The degree takes three years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 6 years.
Majors and minors
You have the option of completing either:
- a major
- a major and a minor
- two majors (a double major)
Each major has specific course requirements, but all consist of a minimum 120 points, with at least 45 points above 100-level, and at least 30 points at 300-level.
If you are completing a double major you may need to complete additional points (ie, more than 360 points) to meet the requirements of both majors.
BHSc students may also choose to complete a minor subject in their degree. A minor consists of a minimum 75 points, including at least 45 points above 100-level, in a single subject chosen from the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.
Double degrees
It is possible to combine Health Sciences degree with other degrees such as the Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.
Find out more information about Double degrees.
The first year of study gives you a foundation in Health Sciences through core courses introducing health studies, human biology, epidemiology, and Māori health. The following years provide more depth in health promotion in Aotearoa, decision making for policy and care, and applied research.
You will complete a courses towards a major and choose from a wide range of minor subjects.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Compulsory courses
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 212 Māori and Indigenous Development OR MAOR 270 Te Ao Hauora Tangata: Māori Health Perspectives
Year 3
Minor subjects
Workplace skills and knowledge
This degree will provide you with an awareness of the critical health challenges facing Aotearoa. Workplace skills will be gained in cultural competency and working with communities to improve health outcomes.
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 Ngā Kaiakatanga Hauora mō Aotearoa | Health Promotion Competencies for New Zealand.
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, there are a wide range of postgraduate study options at UC including:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
- Master of Arts (Thesis) in Child and Family Psychology
- Master of Science in Child and Family Psychology
- Master of Counselling
- Master of Health Sciences
- Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice
- Master of Spatial Analysis for Public Health
- Doctor of Health Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences
Some of these programmes offer the opportunity to gain an endorsement in subjects as wide ranging as Health Behaviour Change to Palliative Care, Health Information Management to Nursing. See the A–Z subject listing.
The health sector is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's biggest employers with a wide range of career opportunities. In Aotearoa's increasingly diverse and ageing society, health needs and workforce opportunities will continue to expand.
The BHSc at UC is ideal preparation to equip students to work within the many non-clinical areas of health, health management, and healthcare. You will gain multidisciplinary skills and insights that are highly valued in these fields.
Health Sciences graduates work in settings such as district health boards, government ministries, local government, non-government organisations, Māori health providers, aged residential care, schools, primary care organisations, universities, and polytechnics.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,281 |
| 2022 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,405 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection | $32,688 | $28,424 |
| 2022 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection | $33,613 | $33,613 |
Contact us
See more information about our Health Sciences programmes.
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
For study planning help, contact Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office (new students) or a Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).