Health Sciences

This programme provides the opportunity for high-quality health science graduates to study at an advanced level, and to enable you to graduate with enhanced analytical and research skills.

It provides a deeper understanding of the epistemological underpinning of population health.

On completion of the honours degree, you should be prepared for doctoral study or if you choose to proceed into the health workforce, be prepared to meet the increasing demand for graduates able to meet the health sector's research and policy development needs.

How much does a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) cost per year?

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) in the School of Population Health will be able to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of populations because of their skills, knowledge and experience in the following areas:

Disciplinary knowledge and practice
Capability 1.1
Demonstrate critical engagement with the origins, scope, themes and research base of population health practice and research in New Zealand and globally.
Capability 1.2
Through an equity lens, apply health science approaches to interrogate and develop recommendations that are informed by the structural determinants and influences on the health of populations.

Critical thinking
Capability 2.1
Demonstrate the ability to interrogate ideas and to critically appraise and synthesise evidence on a health issue from multiple sources and perspectives.
Capability 2.2
Draw on a range of theoretical approaches to reflect on and critique one’s social, cultural and professional views, understandings and actions, recognising implications they have for health and professional practice and engaging in a continuous process of reflection of one’s own practice.

Solution seeking
Capability 3.1
Apply theory, analysis, research and creativity to explore evidence-informed solutions to complex health problems.
Capability 3.2
Demonstrate the ability to identify solutions that address complex population health challenges, applying systematic approaches to reduce health inequities.

Communication and engagement
Capability 4.1
Select from appropriate modes, styles, formats and technologies to communicate complex theoretical ideas and health research findings to a variety of population groups.
Capability 4.2
Demonstrate knowledge of how to establish partnerships with diverse groups to improve the health and wellbeing of populations in New Zealand and globally.

Independence and Integrity
Capability 5.1
Initiate and independently undertake sustained and active inquiry to formulate a credible academic stance.
Capability 5.2
Navigate personal, academic and professional challenges with integrity, taking responsibility for academic and professional decisions and conduct.

Social and environmental responsibilities
Capability 6.1
Apply health practices that engage with and/or reflect understanding of MÄori world views and the historic and contemporary place of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Capability 6.2
Recognise and exercise their role in giving voice to, and advocating for, health equity.