Follow your passion for improving people's health and wellbeing and make a real difference in the community with a Bachelor of Health from Victoria University of Wellington.
Shape a healthy future
The Bachelor of Health is a three-year undergraduate degree that gives you expertise in health services, health policy and strategy, social health and population health in New Zealand and beyond. It will prepare you for a rewarding career contributing to the promotion of good health and wellbeing in our communities.
A feature of this degree is that it's cross-disciplinary, meaning you'll be encouraged to study and work with subject areas outside health.
Design your degree around your interests—choose from our wide range of courses and do a minor or major in another subject, or choose a conjoint degree and pursue two degrees at the same time.
Study through a range of blended learning opportunities—combining online digital media with classroom teaching, followed by a research project or internship in your final year.
With a growing population, New Zealand healthcare services need a range of skilled people from health promoters and policy analysts to health data management experts and health advisers.
Whatever your choice of major, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the field you’re passionate about, laying the groundwork for many possible careers or further postgraduate study.
Wellington, New Zealand
36 Months
NZ$ 32,300
IELTS: 6.5
First year
In your first year, you’ll learn the foundations of human bioscience, plus the environmental and social factors that cause poor health. You'll begin to explore solutions and preventative measures that can make a difference in our communities.
You’ll study five core introductory courses and three further courses. The five core courses will introduce you to concepts of health and wellbeing, health policy and services, statistical analysis and human biology, anatomy and physiology.
Your remaining three courses will be an introduction to your major and assist with meeting the entry requirements for your second- and third-year courses.
By the end of the first year you should have a strong grasp of the common threats to the health and wellbeing of individuals and our communities, and begin to understand the ins and outs of your chosen health major.
Second year
This is the year you’ll focus on your major—Population Health, Policy and Service Delivery, Health Promotion, Health Psychology or Health Informatics. You can also choose to study more than one health major.
You’ll look more closely at health issues impacting our communities and the challenges our health systems face.
Third year
In your final year, you’ll have a range of opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills. You might start designing new health promotion activities, reviewing health policies and services, or managing health information.
At the end of your third year you’ll have the knowledge and skills to begin your career in the health sector.
Or you can stay on and begin your postgraduate studies in one of our new Health qualifications.
Degree requirements
For this degree you'll need to:
Complete at least 360 points, including:
At least 180 points from courses numbered above 100
At least 240 points from the BHlth schedule
At least 75 points from courses numbered 300–399, including at least 60 points from the BHlth schedule
Introduction to Health and Wellbeing (HLWB 101)
Improving Mental and Physical Health in Communities (HLWB 102)
Introduction to Human Biology for Health (HLWB 103)
Introduction to Health Policy and Services (HLWB 104)
Complete three core courses at 200 level:
Global Health and Wellbeing (HLWB 201)
Health and Wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand (HLWB 202)
Health Evaluation and Epidemiology (HLWB 203) (except for students completing the Health Psychology major)
Complete one core course at 300 level:
Either Research and Enquiry in Health (HLWB 301) or Health Internship (HLWB 302)
Courses satisfying the requirements for at least one major
Elective courses as required to make up a total of at least 360 points
Important information
Make sure you check what the prerequisites are for all 200- and 300-level courses you are planning to do in your degree. Ensure the courses you choose will cover those requirements.
You should also consider using elective slots in your first year for an alternative major’s prerequisites if you are undecided about your major.
300-level courses count towards only one major.
For more programme details and requirements, see the
Estimated international fees for 2023
NZ$32,300 approx. per 120 points