Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City, Grafton
Points
360
Programme type
Undergraduate
Conjoint options available

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.

Programme 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.

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

2025 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.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. 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.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    165
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    170
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    26

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.

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.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

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.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    26
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
    Score required
    BCC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

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. 

See information about prior tertiary study 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. Higher grades are required for Biomedical Science and Food Science and Nutrition.

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.
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 Science cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,185.60 – $9,326.40*
International students
NZ$44,972 – $55,247*

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.

See course fees for each faculty

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

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.

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.

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

Subjects available in this programme
 

 

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 

Find the complete list of modules offered by the Faculty of Arts. 

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?

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.

Further study options

See all study options

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.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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