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BHealth
Bachelor of Health

The Bachelor of Health (BHealth) and Certificate in Health and Wellbeing, are the first qualifications in New Zealand to combine multiple disciplines in a programme that will help graduates find employment in the health sector, and improve the current health system. These qualifications will help students to become innovative health leaders who can contribute to change in systems and practices to support equitable outcomes for individuals and their communities.

For Māori and indigenous peoples across the world, the sun is significant in health; knowledge; hāuora; and mātauranga is immeasurable. The sun is light, life, health and promise, and pushes away darkness. Hence, in our Māori karakia we often say, “ka puta ki te ao mārama” meaning to bring something into the world of light, to give it life.

At the University of Waikato we believe it is time to bring to light new ways of thinking about and practicing health in ways that address the growing inequities in the health system, through recognising the importance of hauora.*

In recognising the importance of preventative and holistic approaches to health, we need a workforce with knowledge of health service quality and equity that is built on a foundation of cultural competency, multidisciplinary knowledge, interpersonal and collaborative skills, applied biomedical skills, critical thinking, and regional and community engagement.

The Bachelor of Health has been specifically developed to address the growing demand for a workforce that can contribute across the health sector as this industry diversifies into roles with local governments, iwi, indigenous populations, community groups, private enterprise, individuals and families.

The BHealth is underpinned by the concept of hauora in practice and incorporates Biomedical Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physiology); Epidemiology; Bioethics; Health Communication and Community Approaches; Māori, Pacific and Indigenous perspectives and practice; Psychology, Sociology, Policy; and Statistics, all of which allows students to explore the diverse aspects of health and wellbeing in applied and theoretical settings.

Our graduates will have knowledge and skills that are practical and transferable, allowing them to practice in ways that exhibit an understanding of health as it relates to the individual, whanau and community. With a BHealth you will be well positioned to contribute to innovative approaches that address the complex health issues which matter to the different communities in New Zealand and internationally.

*Hauora, as represented in this material, is defined as a holistic approach that values the interconnection between the physical and meta physical in ways that nourish and sustain the vitality of people and their communities. In doing so recognition is attributed to past generations, historical contexts, and connections to the land.

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Key information

Years: 3.0
Points: 360
Study Locations:Hamilton
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): $7,608 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year
Estimated Fees* (International): $33,550 per year
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate International
Area of Study:
*Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.

Degree Planner

Degree planner — BHealth in Health Promotion

Health Promotion is the art of working with people and communities to improve health outcomes.  It uses a multidisciplinary approach to understanding hauora as practice, and to examine approaches that contribute to a health system which can revitalise the mana of our communities. Health promotion embraces integrative knowledge of theories and analytical approaches to understand, critique and design health initiatives, policies, practices, interventions and their outcomes.

Year 3

HTHPR301 Critical Perspectives of Health

HELTH320 Decolonising Health in Aotearoa

One of
PUBRL301 or SOCPY302

One of
HELTH382, HELTH391, HECSS363

Elective

Elective

Elective

Elective

  • Major
  • Compulsory
  • Elective

Degree planner — BHealth in Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences investigates the biological basis of human health and disease to improve healthcare outcomes.  It takes a multi-faceted and applied approach to improving the hauora of our communities.  It embraces an integrative approach to biomedical sciences alongside Matauranga Māori, health communication, and bioethics to develop biomedical understandings and skills that will allow students to work across the health sector.

Year 2

One of
BIOMD205, BIOMO201, BIOMO203, HPSCI203, PSYCH203

One of
BIOMD205, BIOMO201, BIOMO203, HPSCI203, PSYCH203

Elective

Elective

Year 3

BIOMO306 Molecular Biology and Health

One of
HELTH382, HELTH391, HECSS363

Elective

Elective

Elective

Elective

  • Major
  • Compulsory
  • Elective


Scholarships and prizes

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Graduates will be prepared to enter postgraduate study leading to higher-level qualifications as well as being ready to take up immediate employment opportunities. The Biomedical Sciences programme will also provide a pathway for further graduate study in health and health science areas, such as medical school, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and medical research (biomedical research scientist, medicinal chemist, etc).


Contacts

Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.

Student Centre
Phone: 0800 WAIKATO (0800 924 528) or 07 838 4176
Email: [email protected]

Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.

Phone: +64 7 807 9275
Email: [email protected]

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