Course details

Summary

The purpose of the major in Public Health is to produce graduates with knowledge and skills in science and health, experience in critical appraisal and scientific investigation, an understanding of values and ethics in health, and the ability to apply these to improving health and well-being through disease prevention, health promotion, and health service planning, delivery and evaluation.

The major in Public Health aims to:

• provide students with a strong foundation in health sciences, with detailed knowledge in public health;
• equip students to meet the New Zealand generic competencies for public health and is endorsed by the Health Promotion forum to provide foundation knowledge and understanding of Nga Kaiakatanga Hauora mo Aotearoa Health Promotion Competencies for New Zealand;
• provide students with the knowledge and skills to operate effectively in health sector organisations (such as District Health Boards, Primary Care Organisations, Public Health Units, Maori health organisations, and non-governmental organisations);
• contribute to the health sector workforce by preparing students to work as effective members of multidisciplinary teams in the health sector;
• contribute to meeting national health workforce development goals;
• provide the required foundation for students who wish to undertake postgraduate study in health-related fields.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) is a three-year non-clinical degree designed to address gaps in the health workforce by producing graduates with multidisciplinary skills and an understanding of important national health issues.

New Zealand's health and disability sector is characterized by a diverse workforce made up of many occupations. This diversity is essential to be able to provide the range of services required to meet population health outcomes.

Qualification structure and duration

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.

Note: at least 225 of the total points must be above 100-level and at least 90 points must be for courses at 300-level.

Further study

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, there are a wide range of postgraduate study options at UC including:

• 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
• Doctor of Philosophy

Career opportunities

Students with the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Public Health will be able to function effectively as members of multidisciplinary teams in the health sector. Examples of career pathways include community roles in public health units, district health boards, non-governmental organisations, local government, health promoters, public health analysts, and a research career in public health.

Graduates might also go on to postgraduate study to further their specialisation in the field.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

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.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.