Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Bachelor of Health Science – BHlthSc
Massey’s Bachelor of Health Science offers a wide range of health majors. Its multidisciplinary foundation will prepare you to make a creative and practical contribution to improving the health of individuals, communities and nations.
The health industry needs you
There is a growing need for people who understand personal, workplace and community health issues in today’s interconnected and complex world.
With an interdisciplinary approach, you’ll gain a good understanding of the biological and social bases of 21st century health issues. You’ll be able to apply your multidisciplinary skills to explore solutions and create interventions. You will gain the skills to assess current practices and policies and develop new ideas for bettering health.
The Bachelor of Health Science focuses on communication and critical-thinking skills. It will give you an understanding of research methods and the principles and practices of epidemiology. It will help you build your career in any of New Zealand’s major health sectors.
Improve the nation’s health
You’ll get an understanding of the many dimensions of personal and population health and healthcare in New Zealand. With a solid grounding in health science, you’ll be perfectly placed to contribute to improving the nation’s health from day one in the workplace.
Follow your interests
It’s easy to build a degree around your special interests at Massey. Our Bachelor of Health Science offers a large and comprehensive suite of health majors, so you’ll have lots of choices. And with up to four elective courses, you can fine-tune these to your interests.
In the final semester of your study, you have the option to gain practical experience by taking the elective course 250320 Work Integrated Learning in Health Sciences.
Further study
You may wish to consider further study once you have completed your degree:
A BHlthSc is a good fit if you:
- want to improve the health and lives of the population
- have a particular interest you want to explore
- are keen to work in the growing health industry.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification (most specialisations), outside of university admission regulations.
Entry to the Mental Health and Addiction specialisation is by selected entry (please see the specialisation page).
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Bachelor of Health Science
If you study full-time you’ll take eight 15-credit courses each year.
For some majors, you will need to take specific 100-level core courses from Schedule A to ensure you have the necessary pre-requisites for 200-level major compulsory courses.
Check the regulations for your chosen major.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
360 credits
- Compulsory courses – 180 credits
- Compulsory course selection – 30 credits
- Major courses – 120 credits
- Electives from Schedule C – 30 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- Not more than 165 credits at 100 level
- At least 75 credits at 300 level
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Schedule A: Core courses (Choose 210 credits from)
Compulsory courses (Choose 165 credits from)
Course code: 150112 Hauora Tangata: Foundations of Māori Health credits 15
An introduction to understanding Māori health within Aotearoa/New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150202 Mauri ora: Māori Wellbeing and Vitality credits 15
Cultural understandings of health form the basis for an exploration of cultural, biological, social, economic, environmental and political interactions and their impacts on Māori health.
View full course detailsCourse code: 214101 Human Bioscience: Normal Body Function credits 15
Human body structure and function (anatomy and physiology), including relevant concepts of homeostasis and metabolism and development throughout the lifespan.
View full course detailsCourse code: 214102 Applied Sciences for Health Professionals credits 15
An introduction to the basic scientific concepts that are relevant to the maintenance of human and environmental health.
View full course detailsCourse code: 214201 Human Bioscience: Impaired Body Function credits 15
An examination of the aetiology of disease and alteration of health status and the relevant scientific clinical tests, including the role of micro-organisms in disease processes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231106 Introduction to Public Health credits 15
An introduction to public health principles, perspectives, stakeholders and practices that are both internationally recognisable and of local importance to New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 231107 Social Determinants of Health credits 15
This course explores the social determinants of health, the complex range of social, cultural and economic interactions that influence individual and population health and help explain health disparities amongst populations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 250100 Health Communication credits 15
This course examines the key principles, ethics and theories of effective health communication for positive health change in individuals and communities. Students will learn to develop and critically analyse health-related messages and research, engage with culturally diverse audiences, and consider social, biological and environmental determinants in health communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 250205 Principles and Practice of Epidemiology credits 15
The course provides an introduction to epidemiology; the study of the distribution and determinants of human health.
View full course detailsCourse code: 250303 Systems Thinking and Design for Health credits 15
An analysis of ideas and methods from both systems thinking and design for the purpose of understanding health issues in order to create good health experiences for people.
View full course detailsCourse code: 250331 Health of Communities credits 15
Strategies for assessing and promoting the health of populations are examined and local, national and international responses to health issues explored.
View full course detailsEither
Course code: 214212 Research Methods in the Health Sciences credits 15
Examination of health science research including the research process, research questions, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and the ethics of health research.
View full course detailsOr Psychology Major only
Course code: 175203 Introduction to Psychological Research credits 15
An introduction to methods commonly used in psychological research with particular emphasis on measurement, study designs, data analysis, and communicating research results.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147101 Rehabilitation Studies credits 15
An introduction to the principles and practices of rehabilitation. The processes of rehabilitation are explored with particular reference to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Emphasis is placed on exploring a person-centred approach to rehabilitation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147102 Whakapiri: Engagement in Mental Health and Addiction Work credits 15
The course provides an introduction to mental health and addiction with a focus on Aotearoa New Zealand. Attention is given to the social context of mental health and wellbeing. Students are introduced to mental health as a human right, processes of engagement and brief intervention in mental health and addiction work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 151131 Introduction to Food and Nutrition credits 15
An examination of the effect of social, cultural and psychological factors on food habits; a brief study of the composition of foodstuffs and the basic principles of human nutrition; an introduction to food safety and food preservation. Emphasis will be given to topics of current interest.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175101 Psychology as a Social Science credits 15
An introduction to psychology as the scientific study of human behaviour, with emphasis on individual differences and social influences. The course aims to develop an awareness of the issues, terminology, methods and techniques involved in the study of human behaviour.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175102 Psychology as a Natural Science credits 15
An introduction to methods and findings from the scientific study of psychology and its application to everyday human behaviour. Examination of basic behavioural, perceptual and cognitive processes and how these are influenced by biological mechanisms and cultural context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179155 A Foundation of Interpersonal Skills for the Helping Professions credits 15
An introduction to the role of self and the skills required to develop an effective helping relationship that can be applied in a variety of helping professions in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 234121 Functional Anatomy credits 15
An introduction to the structure and function of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary systems and their importance to health, movement and exercise.
View full course detailsCourse code: 234141 Introduction to Human Movement and Hauora credits 15
An introduction to human movement (Te Ao Kori) and its application to the concept of Hauora (holistic health and well-being).
View full course detailsSchedule B: Specialisations
Majors
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Completing a major is compulsory. A Bachelor of Health Science major consists of 120 credits of compulsory courses.
Environmental Health
Protect people and communities from threats to their health from built and natural environments, with the Bachelor of Health Science (Environmental Health).
Health Promotion
Study for a meaningful career with Massey's Bachelor of Health Science (Health Promotion). Be prepared to address the big health challenges facing the nation and the world in the 21st century.
Integrated Human Health
Learn about the impact of biological and environmental factors on human health, and how you can make a difference.
Mental Health and Addiction
Massey’s Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health and Addiction) will help you start or advance a career in the mental health and addictions workforce.
Occupational Health and Safety
Massey’s Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Health and Safety) will give you essential skills for a career in the health industry.
Psychology
If you’re interested in improving people’s health and wellbeing, and want to make real changes in the community, the Bachelor of Health Science (Psychology) is a great career choice.
Schedule C: Electives (Choose 30 credits from)
Course code: 145216 Urban Environments credits 15
An examination of aspects of the social, economic and political geographies of urban life, drawing upon various approaches in Human Geography.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147204 Whakamahi: Introduction to Mental Health and Addiction Placement credits 15
A 50-hour supervised placement in a mental health and addiction service, with a focus on understanding and illustrating the Foundation (Essential) Competencies outlined in the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ) Addiction Intervention Competency Framework.
View full course detailsCourse code: 147302 Alcohol, Other Drugs and Addiction credits 15
A focus on alcohol, other drug use and addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising harm reduction and health promotion as intervention tools. Students will develop a critical understanding of the aetiology and epidemiology of drug use and addiction, the co-existence of conditions with addictions, and effective legal, public policy and treatment responses to reducing harm.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150103 Nau mai e noho: Engaging with Māori credits 15
This course will equip students with a range of skills to engage with Māori communities including common expressions in te reo, an understanding of key traditional concepts, customary practices (tikanga), the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi and the nature and structure of Māori social and political organisations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175303 The Practice of Psychological Research credits 15
Study of the practice of psychological research. Students undertake a range of exercises and class projects to develop practical research skills.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175309 Forensic Psychology credits 15
The focus of this course is to study the issues and controversies in contemporary relationships between psychology and law. The diversity of the field of forensic practice is reflected in the topics covered, and the themes of violence and justice are used to represent the multidisciplinary influences at the nexus of psychology and law within mental health and legal systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175311 Psychology of Women credits 15
A theory and research-based examination of the Psychology of Women as a sub-discipline with particular focus on how research in the field challenges gender biases and social assumptions. The history of the field is illustrated by classic and contemporary examples of research methodologies suitable for critical studies of sexuality, mothering and gender-based violence.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175318 Experimental Psychology credits 15
An examination of cognitive, neuropsychological and electrophysiological techniques of experimental psychology through a hands-on approach.
View full course detailsCourse code: 175345 Organisational Psychology credits 15
An introduction to key concepts within organisational psychology, concentrating on the interplay between theoretical issues and practical concerns. Students will be enabled to critically evaluate the implications which different psychological perspectives have for understanding organisational problems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 179320 Community Development credits 15
An examination of the fundamental theories, principles and definitions of community development. Individual, group and community action is examined with emphasis on the relationship between individual and social change.
View full course detailsCourse code: 234331 Sport and Physical Activity in the Social Context credits 15
An examination of the social, cultural, political, economic and educational contexts of sport and physical activity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 250320 Work Integrated Learning in Health Sciences credits 15
This course will provide an experiential environment to gain practical experience within the Health Sciences.
View full course detailsApproved elective course from the Bachelor of Health Science schedule.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
- David Levene Foundation Bursaries
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
- OneChoice Futures Grant
- Sumner Ferrymead Foundation Health Sciences Scholarship
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
The Bachelor of Health Science is a great qualification to find an exciting and rewarding career. Depending on your major, you could work in any of the following:
- biosecurity
- environmental health protection, consultancy and auditing
- health navigation and case management in rehabilitation and disability support
- health promotion, community health and policy work in communities, iwi, government and non-government organisations
- health research in universities, companies, non-profit organisations and research institutes
- injury prevention
- mental health and addiction work
- public health
- quality assurance
- secondary school teaching
- workplace health and safety
- policy advice and analysis
- community development
- whānau ora navigation.
What our students say
“My placement gave me some clinical experience, but my theoretical learning is what really prepared me to do well. Although I studied online, I enjoyed connecting with peers in my final year, as we supported one another through our placements and into the workforce.”

“Raising a family, whilst studying via distance went from a dream into reality, a very achievable goal. A Bachelor of Health Science in Health Promotion has provided me with a platform to empower communities at the margins of society. Gaining a health science degree is now just the start of an academic journey ahead.”

“What I’ve enjoyed most about my studies is the way Massey embraces students and clearly makes an effort to give them the best experience possible. The lecturers and other staff are very supportive of their students.”

Useful planning information

Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz