The Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Otago is an undergraduate degree that provides a broad, interdisciplinary foundation in the biological, behavioural and social determinants of health. It suits students aiming for careers in public health, health policy, research, or as a pathway to professional health programmes such as medicine, dentistry or allied health.
The Bachelor of Health Sciences combines core sciences with social science perspectives to examine health, illness and healthcare systems. Early papers typically cover foundational subjects such as human biology, anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, epidemiology and statistics. Alongside these sciences you will study social determinants of health, health psychology, health promotion and ethics.
As you progress, the programme offers elective streams and advanced papers that allow specialisation in areas such as public health, population health, Māori health and indigenous health, global health, health policy, health services research and health informatics. Many students undertake a research methods paper and a research project or honours-level dissertation if they wish to gain deeper research experience.
The degree is structured to include compulsory core papers in the first years to build scientific literacy and quantitative skills, followed by more specialised and elective papers in later years. Practical learning is delivered through laboratory classes, data analysis workshops, community-based projects and case studies.
Admission to the Bachelor of Health Sciences normally requires successful completion of secondary school qualifications equivalent to New Zealand NCEA Level 3, or an overseas equivalent. Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in science and mathematics at secondary level; biology and chemistry are advantageous for many first-year papers.
Specific entry pathways and prerequisites can vary, and some students may enter via alternative tertiary pathways or bridging programmes if they do not meet direct-entry requirements. International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements. Selection may also consider academic performance and suitability for health-focused study.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Sciences pursue a wide range of careers across health, research and policy sectors. Common pathways include roles in public health agencies, health promotion, health research and data analysis, health policy and planning, community health organisations, and non-governmental organisations. The degree also provides a recognised pathway into professional programmes such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and allied health where students meet the specific entry requirements for those professional courses.
Other graduate destinations include hospital and primary care administration, health informatics, occupational health and safety, and positions in international health organisations. Graduates who undertake honours or further postgraduate study can advance into research, academic roles or specialist public health careers.
The University of Otago has a long-established reputation in health sciences and is home to extensive research expertise spanning clinical, public health and indigenous health topics. Students benefit from access to experienced academic staff, well-equipped teaching laboratories and opportunities to engage with community and clinical partners in Dunedin and across New Zealand.
Otago emphasises an interdisciplinary approach and offers strong support for Māori and Pasifika students through dedicated services and culturally informed coursework. The university's research environment and links with health services provide practical learning opportunities and pathways into postgraduate study and health careers.
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