Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) Majoring in Public Health
University of Otago
About this program
Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) Majoring in Public Health
Health systems in the future will see more initiatives in the community.
New health roles will be developed to deliver these initiatives and help individuals negotiate the jigsaw of health services available. Public health approaches will become increasingly important to address the broad health issues facing us in the future.
This career-focused qualification concentrates on the skills required to work with people and communities to promote health and ensure they access and receive the most appropriate care.
Navigate changing global health systems
As our world becomes more interconnected, new challenges are impacting the health and well-being of our communities.
These challenges include:
Populations and people living for longer, and often with multiple long-term conditions and disabilities
Limited health resources and greater demand for services
Environmental and social change and their effects on health
With these challenges comes an increasing need to develop innovative approaches to health care.
The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) is a three-year degree for those who want to be an integral part of these new healthcare approaches, with the opportunity to major (specialise) in four different areas.
Healthier environments, people, and communities
With a focus on the health of populations and communities, public health looks at how we can prevent and control diseases, prolong life, and promote health.
Public Health involves collective action across sectors and disciplines with a strong focus on reducing ethnic and socioeconomic inequities in health.
You can study Public Health as a major in the three year Bachelor of Health Sciences degree (BHealSc) or as a minor subject in a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Arts (BA), Arts and Science (BASc), Commerce (BCom), Performing Arts (BPA), Science (BSc), or Theology (BTheol) degree.
Admission requirements
The minimum requirement for students is the completion of a high school qualification plus satisfactory completion of one year's study at an approved tertiary institution or successful completion of New Zealand Foundation Year Program.
We also accept the following International qualifications: International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points; GCE Advanced Levels: minimum grade of 8.
If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows:
- IELTS score of 6.0 in the academic module (with no individual band below 5.5);
- Internet-based TOEFL: Score of 80 (writing 20), Paper-based TOEFL: Score of 550 (TWE 4.5);
- We also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition.
Don't meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" Program offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
The TOEFL iBT® test is accepted by 11,500 universities and higher education institutions in over 160 countries. Book your test today!
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Program content
- Every degree Program shall consist of papers worth not less than 360 points.
- Except as provided for in regulation 1(d), every Program of study for the degree shall satisfy the requirements for at least one of the major subjects listed in the BHealSc Schedule Part 1. No paper above 200-level may count towards more than one major subject requirement.
- The Program may include one or more optional minor subjects which satisfy the minor subject requirements in the BHealSc Schedule Part 2, Arts and Music Schedule A, or Commerce Schedule A, or Science Schedule A, or Applied Science Schedule A. No paper may count for both a major and a minor subject requirement or for more than one minor subject requirement unless that paper is at 100- or 200-level and is specified as compulsory for both requirements.
- A student who has withdrawn permanently from study for any of the degrees of Bachelor of Dental Surgery, or Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, or Bachelor of Pharmacy, or Bachelor of Physiotherapy, having passed papers worth at least 360 points towards the Program concerned, may be admitted to the degree without specification of a major subject.
- A student who has withdrawn permanently from study for any of the degrees of Bachelor of Dental Technology, or Bachelor of Oral Health, or Bachelor of Radiation Therapy, having passed papers worth at least 360 points, including 300-level papers worth at least 72 points for the Program concerned, may be admitted to the degree without specification of a major subject.
Major subject areas
For a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) degree, you must major in at least one of the following subjects:
- Community Health Care
- Māori Health
- Pacific and Global Health
- Public Health
Minor subject areas
Selecting a minor subject is not compulsory and there may be other combinations of papers more appropriate to your degree. There are no particular subject requirements for the other papers of your degree, but if you wish you may have another subject specified as a minor subject in your degree by passing the prescribed papers for any of the listed subjects.
Full list of available minor subject areas
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Program delivery
Application Details
Applicants must apply online. They should also attach all the necessary supporting documents which includes scanned copies of their official high school or foundation transcripts (awards gained, marks, grades); scanned copies of the relevant official transcripts of previous university study; and provide proof of their identity this is usually achieved by providing a certified copy of the personal details page of their passport or a birth certificate (in English). Applicants may also be required to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE). As soon as applicants have completed their online application, their proof of identity document must be posted to International Division, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. International student applications for semester 1/summer school study close: Oct-31; Semester 2 study close: Apr-30.
Tuition
International tuition fees per year: 36411 NZD
Career paths
Graduates majoring in Public Health will have the knowledge and skills to work in a range of areas in the wider health sector, including government and non-government organisations in areas such as hauora Maori, health policy, and health promotion.
Graduates will have the power to change lives by advocating for healthy environments and populations.
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About this institute
University of Otago
Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's first university. Otago has gained an excellent international reputation for its research and teaching. Ranked among the world’s top 1% of universities according to QS World University Rankings, Otago students...
Why study at University of Otago
Otago’s approachable, world-renowned teaching staff are dedicated to fostering creativity and independence and helping students achieve their visions for the future.
Otago graduates are globally in demand, with 95 percent of graduates going on to employment or further academic studies. Otago’s Social Impact Studio provides volunteering and leadership opportunities, while programmes like Audacious support start-ups and entrepreneurs.
Otago boasts some of the best completion rates for a doctorate or master’s qualification in the world, with exceptional supervisory support.
At Otago, old meets new, from iconic historic buildings to modern, award-winning laboratories and teaching spaces, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.
Contact info
University of Otago
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