Programme overview
If you have a mind for science and you’re keen to keep your options open, then the BSc is the degree for you. With many undergraduate majors in a wide range of subject areas, the BSc will allow you to incorporate different areas of interest and expertise. As well as strongly emphasising transferable skills to improve your employment opportunities, this programme will expose you to cutting-edge technologies and provide a gateway to independent research. Throughout your undergraduate degree you’ll be taught by knowledgeable scientists, many of whom are major contributors in their field.
Beginning your BSc
You're able to choose from a wide range of subject areas, and you'll also add a capstone course to your programme. The capstone course is student-led, and it's your opportunity to integrate and apply your learning to a real-world problem in your chosen subject area.
Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.
Learn more about conjointsProgramme structure
BSc programme structure*
To complete a BSc degree you need to pass courses totalling 360 points. Each course is worth 15 points, and you must complete the requirements for one or more majors, or one specialisation. You must also complete a capstone course, worth 15 points, for your chosen major or specialisation.
- Major: a subject area that makes up about a third of your courses
- Specialisation: a subject that makes up about half of your courses
- Capstone course: a student-led project where you integrate and apply your learning to a real-world problem in your chosen major or specialisation
Please see the 'Subjects and modules' tab for a full list of majors and specialisations available to you in the BSc.
The following is a sample structure if you are a full-time student completing the programme over three years.
In your first year:
- You should enrol in eight courses for up to three subject areas to discover your strengths and interests
- You will probably take four courses in Semester One and four courses in Semester Two
- All first-year undergraduates will need to enroll in a Waipapa Taumata Rau course
In your second year and beyond:
- You will enrol in a range of more advanced courses relating to your main subject, as well as other related areas within the Science schedules to add depth to your knowledge
- You must select one course from the General Education schedules
- You may include 30 points (two courses) from subjects outside of the Science schedule – Arts, Business, Economics and so forth – in addition to your General Education course
In your final year:
- You will complete a capstone course for your chosen major or specialisation
*If you started your BSc in 2018 or earlier please refer to these requirements for the Bachelor of Science.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.
- First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
- You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
- You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
- Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.
Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements
If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. Higher scores are required for Biomedical Science and Food Science and Nutrition, see New Zealand secondary school applicants entry requirements. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.
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QualificationNCEA National Certificate of Educational AchievementScore required165
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QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required170
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QualificationIB International BaccalaureateScore required26
Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.
Further requirements
- Higher scores are required for Biomedical Science and Food Science and Nutrition. See New Zealand secondary school applicants.
- If you are intending to study Biomedical Science as a pathway to the MBChB degree, you must complete (within one academic year, excluding Summer Semester) the eight required first-year courses in the Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science). Only the first attempt for these courses will be considered for medical admissions in the First Year category. If you are applying from another institution please contact scifac@auckland.ac.nz to discuss.
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.
Guaranteed grade requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Science. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. You can also gain entry if you have met the guaranteed entry requirements through New Zealand secondary school qualifications, which must have been completed within the last two years. Higher grades are required for Biomedical Science and Food Science and Nutrition.
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Grade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 3.0
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Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 3.0
Further requirements
If you are applying for Food Science and Nutrition you must have a GPA or GPE of 3.5. If you are applying for Biomedical Science you must have a GPA or GPE of 4.0. Entry to the Biomedical Science major is not guaranteed.
You must have completed one semester of successful bachelor degree study from a New Zealand tertiary institution, or one year of successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree qualification from a New Zealand tertiary institution.
Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information, see External transfer of credit.
If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.
- If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
- If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
My highest qualification is from this country or region:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You need to have one of the following:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects.
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.
GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.
Minimum grade, subject and other 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. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.
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QualificationIB International Baccalaureate DiplomaScore required26QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
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QualificationGCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education Advanced LevelScore requiredBCCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
Further requirements
- If you are applying for Biomedical Science you will need an IB score of 33 or a GCE A Level score of ABB.
- If you are applying for Food Science and Nutrition you will need an IB score of 28 or a GCE A Level score of BBC.
Tertiary qualifications
If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.
You need to have the following:
One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas.
Guaranteed grade requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Science. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. Higher grades are required for Biomedical Science and Food Science and Nutrition.
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 3.0
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5.
Further requirements
- If you are applying for Food Science and Nutrition you must have a GPE of 3.5.
- If you are applying for Biomedical Science you must have a GPE of 4.0. Entry to the Biomedical Science major is not guaranteed.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
- If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.
How much does a Bachelor of Science cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,185.60 – $9,326.40*
- International students
- NZ$43,243 – $53,122*
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.
Key dates
Semester One intake for Biomedical Sciences
Applications must be submitted by 8 December 2024. Biomedical Science only has a Semester One intake.
Late applications for Biomedical Science
Please note that late applications for Biomedical Science will not be accepted.
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
- Summer School 2025
- 1 December 2024
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Summer School | Starts – 4 January |
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Ends – 14 February | |
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
Ends – 24 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
Ends – 11 November |
Summer School | Starts – 6 January |
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Ends – 19 February | |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
Ends – 30 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Subjects available in this programme
- Anthropological Science
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Science
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Physics
- Exercise Sciences
- Food Science and Nutrition
- Geographic Information Science
- Geography
- Green Chemical Science
- Information and Technology Management
- Logic and Computation
- Marine Science
- Mathematics
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Physics
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Quantitative Economics
- Statistics
Modules
What are modules?
A module is an optional grouping of three courses on a particular theme that enables you to add extra value to your degree. You may take one or two modules in addition to your main Science subject, including one module from another Faculty.
What are the benefits of taking a module?
Taking a module means you can focus on a specific, skills-based area outside of your main Science subject.
Modules allow you to develop and diversify your skill set for future employment, and could enhance your career prospects.
How do I take a module?
It's simple – all you need to do is enrol in your first course. You can then add the module to your BSc via the Student Services Online portal.
Modules available
- Data Analysis
- Exercising the Body and Mind
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Quantitative Critical Thinking and Communication
- Science in Society
- Science Scholars (Only for Science Scholars students)
- Software Development
- Spatial Data Analysis
- Studies in Food and Health
- Sustainability
Find the complete list of modules offered by the Faculty of Arts.
Where could this programme take you?
Because science plays a vital role in addressing the key issues that confront us and future generations, studying the Sciences opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Students find employment in business, small industry, government, teaching and health sectors, as well as research and development.
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.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513