Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Waikato is a flexible degree that allows students to combine papers to suit their strengths and interests. The degree is designed to provide students with a broad-based education in science, with a range of career options available to graduates.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points required to gain this qualification is 360.
• The expected duration of the qualification is 3 years.

Locations

• The qualification is offered at the University of Waikato's Hamilton and Tauranga campuses.
• Note that papers offered differ by location.

Area of Study

• The BSc can be taken through the School of Science or the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, depending on the desired major.

Start Dates

• The qualification can be started in Trimester A (March) or Trimester B (July).

Why Study the Bachelor of Science?

The Bachelor of Science degree offers a range of career options due to its flexible nature. Students can combine papers to suit their strengths and interests, and the degree provides hands-on experience with up-to-date facilities and equipment. Field trips are also a major part of the degree, providing students with practical experience.

Career Opportunities

• Animal Welfare Officer
• Chemical Analyst
• Environmental Scientist
• Laboratory Manager
• Software Developer
• Statistician
• Web Architect

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

The BSc with the School of Science contains three distinct elements designed to increase employability and support student progress through the degree: Science electives, Work-Integrated Learning, and Numeracy skills papers.

Year 1

• 100 level Major: SCIEN100 Science and Mātauranga Māori
• One from List A: Science Fundamentals
• One from List C: Science Numeracy
• Elective

Year 2

• 200 level Major
• One from List C: Science Numeracy
• Elective
• Elective

Year 3

• 300 level Major
• One from List B: Work-Integrated Learning
• 300 level Field of Degree
• Elective
• Elective

Subjects

Students can choose from a range of subjects, including:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Analytics
• Earth Sciences
• Ecology and Biodiversity
• Environmental Sciences
• Kaupapa Māori Psychology
• Materials Science
• Marine Science
• Mathematics
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Psychology

Minor Subjects

A minor is a good way to add a complimentary focus area to the degree. Students can complete a minor subject by successfully taking four papers (60 points) in the same subject in place of elective papers.

Entry Requirements

There are five ways to gain admission to the University of Waikato:

1. NCEA University Entrance
2. Admission at entrance level
3. Discretionary entrance
4. University Entrance prior to 2015
5. Special admission

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees: $8,787 per year (domestic tuition fees)
• Scholarships are available, and students can visit the Scholarship finder for more information.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science will:

• Have satisfied the progressive requirements of study at three successive levels of difficulty in areas defined as core for their major.
• Have demonstrated mastery of subjects relevant to their majors.
• Have developed intellectual flexibility and adaptability.
• Work independently with personal and professional integrity.
• Have effective oral and written communication skills.
• Work collaboratively, interacting effectively and demonstrating respect for others.

Science 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 students the chance to put what they've learned in lectures and tutorials into practice.

Study in Tauranga

Depending on the major subject, study in Tauranga can work in different ways. Some papers are available in Tauranga, while others are only available in Hamilton.

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Entry into an honours year in any science major is by invitation only to exceptional students. The School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences also offers a one-year Bachelor of Science Honours programme in Computer Science, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, or Data Analytics.

Practical Experience

The BSc is a practical degree with laboratory and/or field work associated with most subjects. Students may participate in field trips to local beaches, forests, and lakes to conduct sampling and learn first-hand about the environments they are studying.

What Our Students Are Saying

Students have praised the Bachelor of Science degree for its flexibility, practical experience, and opportunities for research and field work. They have also appreciated the support and guidance provided by lecturers and the university community.