Bachelor of Science
If you're intrigued by the natural world around you, or enjoy understanding how things work, Waikato's Bachelor of Science (BSc) is what you're looking for. Putting into practice what you learn in your lectures is a major part of this degree. You will gain hands-on experience with some of the most up-to-date and high-tech computing facilities and laboratory equipment.

We also take you right to the source, with field trips that might include an overnight stay to gather geothermal samples or a week-long bush camp to examine a region's flora.
The range of career options available to Bachelor of Science (BSc) graduates isn't surprising when you consider the nature of the degree. It is extremely flexible so you can combine papers to suit your strengths and interests. We keep it general in the first year so that your choice, when you do come to specialise, is an informed one.
The Bachelor of Science can be taken either through the School of Science or the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, depending on your desired major/s.
Facilities
The University of Waikato’s School of Science is home to a suite of well-equipped laboratories. Most science papers include weekly laboratory sessions, giving you the chance to put what you’ve learnt in lectures and tutorials into practice. Our undergraduate students also have the opportunity to use complex research equipment and techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy and DNA sequencing.
The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand, ranging from phones and tablets for mobile application development to cluster computers for massively parallel processing. Computer Science, Mathematics and Data Analytics students will also have 24 hour access to computer labs equipped with all the latest computer software.
Key information
Years: | 3 |
---|---|
Points: | 360 |
BSc Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
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): | $34,745 - $36,480 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 — Bachelor of Science (BSc) overview - School of Science
The BSc with the School of Science contains three distinct elements designed to increase employability and support your progress through the degree: Science electives, Work-Integrated Learning and Numeracy skills papers.
This structure applies to study starting in 2021.
Year 1
100 level
Major
100 level
Major
One from List A:
Science Fundamentals
One from List A:
Science Fundamentals
One from List A:
Science Fundamentals
One from List C:
Science Numeracy
Elective
Elective
Year 2
200 level
Major
200 level
Major
200 level
Major
200 level
Major
One from List C:
Science Numeracy
Elective
Elective
Elective
Year 3
300 level
Major
300 level
Major
300 level
Major
One from List B:
Work-Integrated Learning
Elective
Elective
Elective
- Major
- Compulsory
- Elective
BSc Papers
Lists A, B and C
List A: Science Fundamentals
Choose 45 points from the following:
- APHYS111 Physics in Context
- AQCUL101 Introduction to Aquaculture
- BIOEB101 Concepts of Biology
- BIOEB102 Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity
- BIOMD101 Introduction to Human Biology
- BIOMO101 Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
- CHEMY100 Chemistry in Context
- CHEMY101 Structure and Spectroscopy
- CHEMY102 Chemical Reactivity
- CLIMT101 Introduction to Climate Change Science
- EARTH101 Introduction to Earth System Sciences
- EARTH102 Discovering Planet Earth
- ENGEN111 Electricity and Electronics
- ENGEN112 Materials Science and Engineering
- ENGEN180 Foundations of Engineering
- ENVSC101 Environmental Science
- MARIN101 Marine Biodiversity
- PHYSC100 General Physics
List B: Work-Integrated Learning
Choose one from the following:
List C: Science Numeracy
Choose 30 points from the following:
- COMPX101 Introduction to Programming
or COMPX102 Object-Oriented Programming
or ENGEN103 Engineering Computing - MATHS101 Introduction to Calculus
or ENGEN101 Engineering Mathematics 1A - MATHS102 Introduction to Algebra
or ENGEN102 Engineering Mathematics 1B - MATHS135 Discrete Structures
- MATHS165 General Mathematics
- MATHS168 Preparatory Mathematics
- PHYSC100 General Physics
or PHYSC101 Physics for Engineers and Scientists
or ENGEN110 Engineering Mechanics - DATAX111 Statistics for Science
or DATAX121 Introduction to Statistical Methods - CHEMY202 Physical Chemistry
or CHEMY204 Analytical Chemistry - COMPX201 Data Structures and Algorithms
or COMPX202 Mobile Computing and Software Architecture
or COMPX223 Database Practice and Experience
or COMPX241 Software Engineering Development
or COMPX242 Software Engineering Process
or CSMAX101 The World of Data - ENVPL202 Cartography and Spatial Analysis
- ENGEN201 Engineering Mathematics 2
- Any 200-level MATHS paper
- Any 200-level DATAX paper
Degree planner — Bachelor of Science (BSc) overview - School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
BSc majors under the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences are Computer Science, Data Analytics, and Mathematics.
This structure applies to study starting in 2021.
Year 1
100 level
Major
100 level
Major
One 100 level
MATHS or DATAX paper**
100 level
Science paper
100 level
Science paper
Elective
Elective
Year 2
200 level
Major
200 level
Major
200 level
Major
200 level
Major*
Elective
Elective
Elective
Year 3
300 level
Major
300 level
Major
300 level
Major
One from List A:
Work-Integrated Learning
300 level
Science paper
Elective
Elective
Elective
- Major
- Compulsory
- Elective
*Note: For a major in Mathematics or Data Analytics, this paper will be taken at 300 Level.
This information is provisional and subject to change.BSc Papers List
**100 level MATHS and DATAX papers
Choose one paper (15 points) from the following:
List A - Work-Integrated Learning
Choose one paper (15 points) from the following:
- COMPX374 Software Engineering Industry Project
- COMPX375 Information Systems Industry Project
- COMPX397 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study
- COMPX398 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study (30 points)
- MATHS397 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study
- DATAX397 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study
Please consult one of our undergraduate advisers when picking your Work-Integrated Learning paper.
Choose a major
Recommended minors
- Animal Behaviour
- Applied Computing
- Applied Physics
- Aquaculture
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Coastal Processes
- Computer Science
- Ecology and Biodiversity
- Environmental Sciences
- Geology
- Hydrology
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Soil Science
- Statistics
Or undertake a minor in any other subject within the University.
Career opportunities
- Animal Welfare Officer
- Chemical Analyst
- Environmental Scientist
- Laboratory Manager
- Software Developer
- Statistician
- Web Architect
Entry requirements
If you have achieved University Entrance through NCEA you will be accepted into this degree.
If you have achieved University Entrance through NCEA you will be accepted into this degree.
Discretionary Entrance
Applicants will normally be granted Discretionary Entrance if they have gained a total of at least 80 credits in NCEA at Level 2 in four subjects equivalent to the approved subjects for University Entrance in NCEA at Level 3, with a minimum grade of Merit in at least half of the achievement standards for each subject. Applicants must also have satisfied the numeracy and literacy requirements of University Entrance.
Applications must be supported by the applicant’s school principal or a University Student Recruitment Adviser.
Special Admission
Applicants will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants 20 years old and over by the beginning of their programme of study will be accepted, except those that are clearly insufficiently prepared for academic study. Preference may be given to applicants who have successfully completed appropriate University of Waikato College bridging programmes.
Admission at entrance level or with credit from previous study
Applicants will be considered on a case by case basis bearing in mind patterns of admission which have applied in previous years and the standing of the qualification in New Zealand.
Pathways
Individual papers may require previous experience in this subject. However, there may be other pathways that you can take to study in this field. Please seek advice from the School of Science or the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
Study in Tauranga
Depending on your major subject, study in Tauranga can work in different ways.
Depending on your major subject, study in Tauranga can work in different ways.
Aquaculture, Environmental Sciences and Computer Science
From 2020, all three years of these majors are available in Tauranga. For Aquaculture and Environmental Sciences, Year 1 will be available from 2019; Year 2 from 2020; and Year 3 from 2021. For Computer Science, Year 1 will be available from 2020; Year 2 from 2021; and Year 3 from 2022.
Ecology and Biodiversity
Toi Ohomai pathway: Once you've completed the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management - Marine or Terrestrial (Levels 5 and 6) with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology with at least a B grade average, you'll be guaranteed admission to the BSc (majoring in Ecology and Biodiversity) with credit of up to 240 points towards the degree. This only applies to students coming through the agreed pathway with Toi Ohomai. All others will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You can then complete the final year of the BSc degree in Tauranga by studying University of Waikato papers.
Once you have commenced your Diploma, we recommend you discuss your intended degree programme with University staff. We will advise you on degree and subject requirements.
Psychology
Psychology can be a major subject of the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Sciences, or Bachelor of Science. Only some of the 'List A' and 'List C' papers are available in Tauranga.
Subjects not accepting new enrolments
Biological Sciences
If you have already started the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management through Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, a B average still guarantees you admission into Year 3 of the BSc in Biological Sciences in 2020. From 2021, the Ecology and Biodiversity major is replacing Biological Sciences.
Applied Computing
If you have already started studying at Toi Ohomai, your pathway into Year 3 in 2020 will still be open.
Scholarships and prizes
Selected scholarships for BSc students.
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Anne Shannon Scholarship Accepting applications
For students who are enrolled in their second year of full-time study (120 points) in either a BSc or BSc(Tech) majoring in Ecology & Biodiversity or Molecular & Cellular Biology. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 60 points of papers coded BIOEBxxx or BIOMOxxx.
Closing Date: 15 June 2023
Computer Science Undergraduate Scholarship Accepting applications
For students who are currently in Year 12 or Year 13 at a New Zealand secondary school. Candidates must be intending to enrol full-time in either the BCompSc, BSc majoring in Computer Science, or BE(Hons) majoring in Software Engineering.
Closing Date: 15 September 2023
University of Waikato HEBUST Scholarship Not currently accepting applications
For students transitioning from HEBEI University of Technology (China) to the University of Waikato to undertake full-time study towards a Bachelor of Science majoring in Materials and Processing. Applicants must have achieved at least a B Grade Point Average over the last 1.5 years of study at HEBEI University of Technology. The value of the award will be up to $15,000.
Waikato Graduate Women Educational Trust Dame Jocelyn Fish Award Not currently accepting applications
To assist women students who have been New Zealand Citizens or permanent residents for at least 2 years, and are enrolled full-time in the second year or above of a first degree, majoring in a non-traditional field for women (e.g. computer science, engineering).
Looking for more scholarships?
Conjoint degree options
This degree can also be taken as a conjoint.
Bachelor of Science with Honours
In the School of Science, entry into an honours year in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences or Materials and Processing is by invitation only to exceptional students.
The School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences also offers a one-year BSc Honours programme in Computer Science, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence or Data Analytics.
Practical experience
The Bachelor of Science is a practical degree with laboratory and/or field work associated with most subjects.
The Bachelor of Science is a practical degree with laboratory and/or field work associated with most subjects.
In some papers you will be able to take part in field trips to local beaches, forests and lakes to conduct sampling and learn first-hand about the environments you are studying.
For some science subjects, you also have the opportunity to undertake an independent or small team research project (special topics paper) which may be laboratory or literature-survey based.
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 8384610 Email: [email protected]
Enquire Now