Duration
Available locations
Programme type

Programme overview

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.

Programme structure

  • 120 points
  • Supervised research dissertation in an aspect of population health (60 points)
  • Two core courses in theoretical concepts of health and health services research methods (30 points)
  • A selection of advanced courses in population health, health informatics, health management and Māori health (30 points)
  • Must be completed within one year of full-time study

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 758
    Name:
    Theoretical Concepts of Health
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 767
    Name:
    Health Services Research Methods
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage VII Course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage VII Course
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POPLHLTH 780A/B
    Name:
    Dissertation
    Type:
    Dissertation
    Points:
    60 pts

2024 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Health Sciences

Further programme requirements

Taught 120 points

You must have completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences and passed 90 points in courses above Stage II with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

You also need to have a supervisor and topic confirmed.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree in science

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

Further programme requirements

Taught 120 points

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in health sciences (or a similar field of study) at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will require a GPE of 5.0 or higher in 75% of your most advanced-level courses.

You also need to have a supervisor and topic confirmed.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,018.80*
International students
NZ$52,585*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2024
8 December 2023

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 Māori 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.
 

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

With their analysis and research skills, graduates will be equipped for a career in health services or for further postgraduate study, including doctoral study. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513