Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected
Summary
Help enhance health and reduce inequities in the community.
Health promoters aim to achieve optimal health and wellbeing for all through sustainable behaviour change, supported by changes in the environments in which we live, work and play. Their work supports the holistic health of individuals, communities and populations, empowering them to lead a healthier lifestyle. This contributes to a reduction in the risk of disease and premature death, while positively impacting on all dimensions of health.
Employment opportunities for health promoters are diverse. Graduates of this programme have gone on to work for Smokefree New Zealand, Ryman Healthcare (resident wellness programme specialist), Sport Canterbury, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (road safety co-ordinator), Christchurch City Council (Active Communities co-ordinator) and regional sports trusts, while others have become teachers of PE and health.
The degree covers a broad range of health-related topics from cultural awareness and exercise prescription to health promotion to human nutrition. It will equip you with the communication, problem-solving, critical analysis and teamwork skills required within the multidisciplinary field of health promotion.
Career Opportunities
This qualification will enable you to empower others to make healthier choices, supported by changes in physical, social & economic environments.
This specialisation opens up a variety of possibilities in the physical activity and health related fields. Opportunities could include working as a specialist prescribing physical activity for school or special populations, a consultant in corporate health, a health promoter or further studies.
Study Pathways
You could also advance your knowledge of additional clinical practice by undertaking the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science or Master of Health Science.
Entry criteria
University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
14 credits at Level 3 in each of: biology or human biology or physical education another subject, preferably core health/health education, physics, statistics, mathematics, chemistry, geography, home economics and psychology
Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2) one other subject from the list of approved subjects*
Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
OR New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent.
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA, Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects
IELTS - Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
SPEAKING – 5.5; READING - 5.5; WRITING - 5.5; LISTENING – 5.5
TOEFL (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)
TOEFL (iBT) - Score of 60 or higher (with a writing score of 18)
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations - B2 First, or B2 First for schools, or C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill
Pearson Test of English - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
Studying in NZ
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