Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc)

Public Health

A course by

Otago University

A three-year undergraduate degree with majors in Community Health Care, Māori Health, Pacific and Global Health, or Public Health, equipping graduates to address health and wellbeing challenges in communities through a combination of classroom and practical learning.

NZ$10,005

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)

Study Level

Advanced

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10

In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Dunedin, Dunedin

It will take a total of 3 years

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Unlock these abilities


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Understand and navigate complex health systems

Gain skills to address current and emerging health challenges in interconnected societies by understanding health systems and their pressures.

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Expertise in public and community health

Acquire knowledge and practical abilities in health services, community health, public health, and wellbeing support.

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Specialise in a major field

Develop specialist knowledge in one of four streams: Community Health Care, Māori Health, Pacific and Global Health, or Public Health.

What You're Signing Up For

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) at Otago is a career-focused degree designed to give students the skills to address global and local health and wellbeing challenges in communities. Offering four areas of specialisation—Community Health Care, Māori Health, Pacific and Global Health, and Public Health—the degree prepares graduates to work in areas like health services, health policy, community and social health, disability support, and population health. Students gain knowledge of health systems, health promotion, social health, and develop innovative approaches to complex health needs. Completion leads to opportunities in government, NGOs, health networks, and opens pathways for postgraduate or professional health programmes.

Course Content

  • Health services and delivery
  • Health policy and systems
  • Social health and determinants of health
  • Population health
  • Community health and wellbeing
  • Disability support
  • Hauora Māori
  • Public health principles
  • Health promotion
  • Global and Pacific health
  • Innovative responses to health needs

What you need to know first

New Zealand University Entrance qualification

Minimum age of 16 by start of study

Proficiency in English at IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) or equivalent

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Health

  • Public Health

  • Community Services

  • Non-government organisations

  • Policy and planning

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Government policy roles

  • Health promotion officer

  • Case management and recovery co-ordination

  • Work in non-governmental organisations

  • Health and wellbeing support

  • Community health programmes

  • Primary health networks

  • Health and disability services