Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyBachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Christchurch - City Campus
Summary
Good health is shaped by more than individual choices. It's influenced by environments, culture, food, physical activity, access and the support people receive in daily life.
You'll explore how to plan, deliver and evaluate health promotion initiatives for diverse communities, with a strong focus on equity, wellbeing and culturally responsive practice.
Through applied learning and industry practicums, you'll connect classroom knowledge with real settings, building confidence to communicate, collaborate and advocate for healthier people, whānau and communities.
Key features- Pathway to public health careers:
Prepare for non-clinical roles in health promotion, wellbeing and community health.
- Health equity focus:
Gain the skills to help address barriers to wellbeing through advocacy, education and community action.
- 200 hours industry experience:
Build real-world experience through two supervised community-based practicums.
- Strong industry connections:
Learn from industry partners, guest speakers and community organisations.
- Health promotion principles and key frameworks
- Social determinants of health and wellbeing
- Behaviour change and healthy lifestyles approaches
- Multicultural models of health promotion
- Hauora Māori and te Tiriti in practice
- Pacific culture and health
- Professional communication and collaboration
- Research design, statistics and evidence use
- Exercise prescription
- Exercise, health and nutrition psychology
- Public health
- Health promotion for diverse populations
- Planning, delivery and evaluation of health initiatives
- Sustainability and planetary health perspectives
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsUniversity Entrance as defined by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), which must include:
- 14 credits at Level 3 in each of:
- Biology or Physical Education or Health Education
- another subject, preferably Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography or Psychology.
- (Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2 or alternative as approved by the specialisation coordinator.)
- one other subject from the list of approved subjects*
OR successful completion of NZ3563 New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway or equivalent
* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Additional RequirementsIn addition you need to:
Consent to Disclosure of Information
- Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
- The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Faculty Dean or delegate. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
This may include Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact Ara for advice.
English RequirementsWhat if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
What if I have achieved New Zealand University Entrance?
If you have achieved New Zealand University Entrance requirements, you are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.
Selection RequirementsApplicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.
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