Auckland University of Technology

What you'll study

This Bachelor programme integrates biological and social sciences with nursing practice, emphasising safe, evidence-based care across the lifespan. Core study areas include human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, clinical decision-making and therapeutic communication.

• Clinical practice and placements: Multiple supervised clinical placements across acute, primary, community, aged care and mental health settings provide hands-on experience and progressive responsibility under registered nurse supervision.
• Mental health and kaupapa Māori health: Dedicated papers cover mental health nursing, cultural safety, and indigenous health perspectives including tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities for nursing practice.
• Evidence, research and professional practice: Courses in research methods, evidence-based practice, ethics, legal aspects of care and leadership prepare graduates for reflective practice and continuous professional development.
• Simulation and clinical skills: Extensive skills laboratory and high-fidelity simulation sessions allow students to practise assessment, emergency response, medication administration and interprofessional teamwork before and between placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need university entrance from secondary school or an approved equivalent secondary or tertiary qualification. Competitive applicants often hold credits in biology, chemistry or another science and meet the University’s English language requirements.

• Domestic applicants: secondary school university entrance (for example NCEA Level 3) or another recognised tertiary entry, with recommended science background.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary qualification and an approved English language qualification such as IELTS or equivalent.
• All applicants: selection may include a written statement, interview or other assessment; successful applicants must meet health, immunisation and police vetting requirements prior to clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and work as registered nurses across a wide range of settings. Common early-career roles include:

• Medical-surgical, emergency and intensive care nursing in hospitals
• Primary and community health nursing, including general practice and Māori and Pacific health providers
• Mental health and addiction services
• Aged care and rehabilitation services
• Public health, health promotion and NGO roles

With experience and further study, graduates can move into advanced practice, nurse education, clinical research, management, policy or pathway programmes such as postgraduate nursing specialisations and master's-level qualifications.

Why study at Auckland University of Technology

AUT offers a clinically oriented nursing degree with strong links to regional health providers, giving students access to a diverse range of placement sites across metropolitan and community settings. The university’s simulation facilities and clinical skills laboratories mirror contemporary practice environments so students can develop competence and confidence before and during placements.

• Workplace partnerships: Close relationships with district health boards, primary care providers and community organisations support authentic clinical learning opportunities.
• Cultural safety and local context: A curriculum that embeds tikanga Māori, cultural safety and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi prepares graduates to deliver culturally responsive care in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Interprofessional learning: Opportunities to learn and collaborate with students from allied health and health sciences disciplines reflect real-world team-based care.
• Student support: AUT provides academic support, clinical placement coordination, counselling and wellbeing services to help students succeed through a demanding professional programme.