Program Overview

Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)

The Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) is a three-year full-time program that focuses on interprofessional practice and care. The program aims to prepare students for a career in nursing, with a strong emphasis on practical experience and clinical skills.

Program Overview

The program consists of 360 points and is offered at the North Campus. The duration of the program is three years full-time, with starts in February and July. Applications for Semester 1 (starting in February 2026) are now closed, but students can still apply for Semester 2 (starting in July).

Fees

The fees for the program are as follows:

• Domestic: $9,411.60 - $9,827.60 (for 120 points)
• International: $42,821.60 (for 120 points) Fees are subject to change year to year, and there may be other fees and charges that students need to pay.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students, but the details are not specified in the program information.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the program are:

• University Entrance or equivalent
• Must be capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children's Act 2014 requirements, including police clearance
• Preference will be given to applicants with one subject from Art History, Classical Studies, Drama, English, Geography, Health Education, History, Media Studies, Social Studies, Te Reo Māori or Te Reo Rangatira, and one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Physics, Science, Calculus, Mathematics, Statistics Applicants with English as a second or other language who have not completed at least three years of secondary schooling in NZ will be required to meet IELTS requirements.

What You Study

The program consists of the following courses:

Year 1

• Semester 1:
  • HEAL506 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication (15 points)
  • HEAL512 Te Tiriti Ora (15 points)
  • HEAL513 Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Practice (15 points)
  • HEAL514 Understanding Human Body Systems (15 points)
• Semester 2:
  • NURS503 Introduction to Nursing Practice (45 points)
  • HEAL609 Integrated Human Body Systems (15 points)

Year 2

• Semester 1:
  • HEAL610 Methods of Research and Enquiry (15 points)
  • NURS600 Hauora Māori and Nursing (15 points)
  • NURS601 Fundamentals of Acute Nursing Practice (30 points)
• Semester 2:
  • NURS602 Long-Term Care and Disability (15 points)
  • NURS603 Mental Health Nursing Practice (30 points)
  • PHMY701 Pharmacology for Professional Practice (15 points)

Year 3

• Semester 1:
  • NURS701 Complexity in Acute Nursing Practice (30 points)
  • NURS705 Community, Context and Nursing (30 points)
• Semester 2:
  • NURS703 Transition to Nursing Practice (45 points)
  • And one of:
    • HEAL706 15-Point Special Topic* (15 points)
    • HEAL708 Professional Practice & Ethics (15 points)
    • HLAW701 Health Law and Policy (15 points)
    • MAOH701 Māori Health Promotion (15 points)
    • MAOH702 Applied Primary Māori Mental Health (15 points)
    • PARA704 Clinical Risk Management (15 points)
    • Or any other bachelor's degree courses with approval of programme leader

Career Opportunities

Graduates who pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand's State Examination gain registration as a Registered Nurse. Career opportunities include:

• Acute care nursing – public or private
• Advanced nursing practice
• Health administrator/manager
• Medical representative
• Mental health nursing
• Nurse in defence forces
• Nurse lecturer/researcher
• Primary healthcare nursing

Related Programs

Other undergraduate study options include:

• Bachelor of Health Science
• Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery)
• Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
• Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health)
• Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
• Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)
• Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology conjoint programs

Postgraduate study options include:

• Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)