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 BHSc is a three-year programme that provides a comprehensive overview of health and health care. 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 well-being 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 the School of Health Sciences | Te Kura Mātai Hauora.
- 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.
Students with English as an additional language 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.
Typical degree structure for Bachelor of Health Sciences (majoring in Psychology)
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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).
Please note: some majors have different requirements. For major requirements please go to the Regulations for the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
The BHSc requires a total of 360 points made up of:
- at least 135 points from compulsory courses
- at least 90 points from one subject major
- the remaining points may be taken from within Health Sciences or any other degree offered at UC.
At least 225 of the total points must be above 100-level and at least 90 points must be for courses at 300-level. In the second and third years of study, students will gain specialist knowledge in their chosen major.
The BHSc can also be completed in up to six years by part-time study.
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.
Major subjects
You can study a single or double major, and can add courses from other degrees. Students select their specialisation from six majors, designed to provide graduates with particular skills and knowledge:
Double majors
Many students choose to enrol in a double major and this can often be completed in the same length of time as a single major. Students commonly combine majors in Public Health and Society and Policy; Health Education and Psychology; and Māori and Indigenous Health and Public Health. Elective courses may be chosen from Health Sciences or other degrees across the University.
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.
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, there are a wide range of postgraduate study options at UC including:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
- Master of Arts or 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 health 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 health care. 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) |
| 2019 | 360 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,061 per 120 points |
| 2020 | 360 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,202 per 120 points |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 360 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $32,000 per 120 points |
| 2020 | 360 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $31,375 (first 120 points) |
Contact us
For assistance with planning your programme of study contact the Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office (new students), or a Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora Student Advisor | College of Education, Health and Human Development (advancing students).
For more general information email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).
For the full degree requirements see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Health Sciences. For more information on facilities, resources, and staff see the Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development.