Bachelor of Health

Summary

The Bachelor of Health (BHealth) and Certificate in Health and Wellbeing, are the first qualifications in New Zealand to combine multiple disciplines in a programme that will help graduates find employment in the health sector, and improve the current health system. These qualifications will help students to become innovative health leaders who can contribute to change in systems and practices to support equitable outcomes for individuals and their communities.

The BHealth has been specifically developed to address the growing demand for a workforce that can contribute across the health sector as this industry diversifies into roles with local governments, iwi, indigenous populations, community groups, private enterprise, individuals and families.

The BHealth is underpinned by the concept of hauora in practice and incorporates Biomedical Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physiology); Epidemiology; Bioethics; Health Communication and Community Approaches; Maori, Pacific and Indigenous perspectives and practice; Psychology, Sociology, Policy; and Statistics, all of which allows students to explore the diverse aspects of health and wellbeing in applied and theoretical settings.

Specified Programmes

• Poutu-manahau Population Health
• Poutu-maro Biomedical Science

Poutu-manuhau Population Health will enable you to contribute to a more equitable health system in Aotearoa New Zealand as part of a workforce that can enact hauora in practice, and advocate for broader understandings of what constitutes health in our communities. With an approach that spans Te Ao Maori, biomedical-principles, the history of the health system, legal aspects, population studies, social policy, psychology, health funding, systems, management and communication, you will be well placed to action change for the heath and wellbeing of our communities. In a programme of study where Maori, Pasifika, Western and other indigenous traditions are examined, we endeavour to respect the collective essence of health and wellbeing as represented by the diverse groups in our community. This includes drawing on the concept of hauora as a holistic approach that values the interconnection between the physical and meta-physical in ways that nourish and sustain the vitality of people and their communities.

Career opportunities: Iwi and community-based health education and health promotion; Public policy; Healthcare and clinical research; Roles with community providers including advocates; Project management and coordination

Poutu-maro Biomedical Sciences takes a multi-faceted and applied approach to improving the hauora of our communities. It embraces an integrative approach to biomedical sciences (including genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, anatomy, infection and immunity, pathophysiology) alongside Matauranga Maori, health communication, and bioethics to develop biomedical understandings and skills that will allow students to work across the health sector. It is underpinned by the following six core concepts that are the BHealth’s point of difference: Maori and indigenous perspectives and practices; Holistic understandings of hauora, health and wellbeing; Community collaboration and engagement; Analytical and communication skills; Clear links to regional/rural health, social justice and equity, and critical perspectives; Competencies desired in the practices of health professionals, as identified through consultation with key stakeholders and industry.

Career opportunities: Laboratory technician in areas such as micro-biology, immunology or biochemistry; Research associate/coordinator; Health protection; Science writer; Pathway to graduate allied health and medical qualification.