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 Philosophy (PhD)
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 Philosophy (PhD)
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 majoring in Psychology – example degree structure
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Compulsory courses
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Major courses
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Other 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 90 points of major courses
- the remaining 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.
BHSc students have the option of completing either a major or two majors (a double major).
The degree takes three years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 6 years.
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).
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:
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
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 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 Philosophy (PhD)
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) |
| 2020 | 360 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,202 per 120 points |
| 2021 | 360 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,281 per 120 points |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2020 | 360 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $34,000 (first 120 points) |
| 2021 | 360 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $35,500 (first 120 points) |
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).