Program Overview

Bachelor of Nursing with Honours

The Bachelor of Nursing with Honours (BNurs(Hons)) programme is designed for students with high levels of academic performance who are employed in clinical practice and supported by their clinical managers.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points to gain this qualification: 120 points
• The expected duration of full-time study: 1 year

Locations

• The study location where the qualification is offered: Hamilton

Area of Study

• The Faculty or School under which this qualification can be studied: Division of Health

Start Dates

• The trimesters in which this qualification can be started: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why Study the Bachelor of Nursing with Honours?

Students enrolled in the BNurs(Hons) programme will complete a research thesis and be supported by an assigned clinical mentor and academic supervisor who will jointly guide their development throughout the programme.

• The study will include an approved paper (agreed by the workforce manager and the University of Waikato) (30 points)
• The Research Thesis (90 points)

Combining Waikato’s high academic standards with real healthcare settings, our programmes have been developed to allow registered nurses in NZ to better meet the needs of the people in the Midlands region, with a focus on improving equity for Māori and Pacific peoples, particularly in mental health and addictions and in both urban and rural settings.

Māori and Pasifika nurses are also able to undertake study that supports and develops their clinical and cultural practice and leadership development using indigenous worldviews.

Upon successful completion of their nursing degree, students can choose to progress directly to doctoral study.

Career Opportunities

• Registered nurse
• Primary and community health care (e.g., general practice, hospice, district, community mental health)
• Hospital-based care (e.g., neonatal units, emergency department, intensive care, acute mental health of paediatrics)

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

• 1 year (120 points)
• 500 level Health Sciences paper (30 points)
• Research Thesis (90 Points)

This information is provisional and subject to change.

Entry Requirements

• Domestic students:
  • NCEA University Entrance
  • Admission at entrance level
  • Discretionary entrance
  • University Entrance prior to 2015
  • Special admission
• To be admitted to the BNurs(Hons), you must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Waikato, with at least a B+ grade average across the 300 level papers; or a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees: $10,266 per year (domestic tuition fees)
• Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
• Scholarships: Visit the Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates will:

• Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative approaches to research
• Describe and apply appropriate research methods related to their research topic
• Demonstrate research capability at the BNurs Honours level meeting entry criteria for doctoral study
• Demonstrate the ability to lead improvement initiatives within their practice area

What Our Students Are Saying

• After years of working in the healthcare sector, I have grown to love the nursing profession and always wanted to be a part of the team of excellent nurses making a difference in our communities daily. - Haulat Thebe, Bachelor of Nursing
• I’ve always been passionate about helping people. You couldn’t be in this job if you didn’t want to help people. - Rangi Harrison, Bachelor of Nursing with Honours
• I feel like we have our own little nursing whanau and everyone is so passionate. I value all of the subjects we have learnt so far because they’re nursing focused – sometimes it feels less like learning as it is hands on and fun. - Loki O'Brien, Bachelor of Nursing
• Waikato offers the most clinical placement hours across the country for nursing, and that was a huge selling point for me. - Caitlin Hedge, Bachelor of Nursing
• I would encourage anyone who has an interest in nursing to attend the programme at the University of Waikato. - Erin Waterman, Bachelor of Nursing

About the Programme

The Bachelor of Nursing with Honours programme is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to become a registered nurse in New Zealand. The programme combines theoretical and clinical learning, with a focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students will have the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, community health organizations, and primary health care services. The programme is accredited by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and is recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.