Auckland University of Technology

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Science is structured to give you core scientific skills—experimental design, quantitative analysis, scientific communication and research methods—alongside disciplinary depth. You choose a major or a combination of majors and minors from areas such as biological sciences, ecology and conservation, environmental science, chemistry, physics and applied mathematics, computer science, information technology, data science, and psychology. Teaching includes lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, computer laboratories, field trips and project work.

Typical first-year subjects build a foundation in mathematics, statistics, chemistry, biology or programming depending on your chosen pathway. In later years you progress to specialist topics and advanced options; for example:

• Biological and ecological majors: cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, organismal biology, field methods and lab-based techniques.
• Chemistry and physical science majors: inorganic and organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical methods and instrumentation, and materials science.
• Data science and computing majors: programming, algorithms, databases, data visualisation, machine learning and applied statistics.
• Environmental science majors: ecosystem dynamics, environmental monitoring, resource management, environmental policy and impact assessment.
• Psychology majors: cognitive psychology, developmental and social psychology, research methods, and applied psychology topics.

In your final year you generally undertake an independent research project or capstone, supervised by academic staff, which develops practical skills in experimental design, data collection and scientific reporting. Electives and cross-disciplinary papers allow you to combine science with business, Māori studies, health sciences or technology.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science normally requires secondary school university entrance or an equivalent qualification. Applicants typically need a sufficient level of achievement in NCEA (or international equivalents) including relevant subject prerequisites for particular majors—for example, chemistry or biology for life science majors, or mathematics for computing, data science and physical science majors. Mature applicants and those with relevant tertiary or work experience may be considered through alternative entry pathways.

International applicants must meet English language requirements set by the university. Some majors have limited places or additional selection criteria based on prior study and grades, so check the specific major prerequisites before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science move into a wide range of roles across research, industry and the public sector. Common career destinations include:

• Laboratory technician, research assistant or technical specialist in universities, Crown Research Institutes and private labs.
• Environmental consultant, conservation officer or resource management roles in regional councils and NGOs.
• Data analyst, business intelligence or applied data roles in private industry, government and tech firms.
• Software developer, systems analyst or IT specialist for computing and data-focused graduates.
• Scientific communication, policy advisory positions and roles in education (additional teacher education may be required for classroom teaching).

Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study (Honours, Masters, or PhD) to pursue specialised research or to meet professional registration requirements in certain fields.

Why study at Auckland University of Technology

AUT emphasises applied, industry-relevant science education with strong links to local employers, research organisations and Auckland’s urban and marine environments. The university offers modern teaching laboratories, computing facilities and field equipment, and promotes hands-on learning through practicums, internships and collaborative research projects. Small cohort and research project supervision provide opportunities for guided independent work, while the university’s Auckland location gives access to diverse ecosystems, tech industry hubs and government agencies. AUT’s multidisciplinary approach makes it straightforward to combine science study with business, Māori knowledge, health or technology papers to shape a degree aligned to your career goals.