Career opportunities
A degree in Biomedical Sciences gives you the knowledge and skills to thrive in health and science careers. You will graduate with strong critical thinking, analytical and communication skills, plus hands-on lab experience.
Career opportunities include:
- Researcher developing new medical technologies or therapies
- Consultant or science adviser for government or biotech firms
- Patent consultant or regulatory specialist
- Laboratory technician or health science practitioner
- Science writer or medical communications specialist
- Sales and marketing for healthcare and medical supplies
- Educator at secondary or tertiary level
- Entry to professional programmes such as Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy
- Food and nutrition specialist in the dairy, meat, poultry or wine sectors
- Scientist or academic with further study
Many graduates go on to postgraduate study, including Honours, Master’s or PhD in biomedical science and public health.
Your path to biomedical discovery
Explore how Biomedical Science at Otago helps you understand the human body, from cells to diseases. Hear from students and experts about hands-on learning, specialisations, and career opportunities.
Read transcript
Jonika Edgecombe:
Talofa lava, my name is Jonika, and I have just finished my Bachelor of Biomedical Science. My major was reproduction, genetics, and development.
The thing I really enjoyed about this degree was that I got to experience a broad range of topics within my major. I discovered that I really enjoyed genetics, and I got to explore that way more in depth. I discovered areas of the subject that I didn’t even know existed, and I’m now pursuing that at a postgraduate level, doing my honours this year.
If you’re thinking about biomedical sciences, I really recommend you talk to a careers advisor at your school or any students who have gone to Otago that you know of, who can maybe give you some advice about it.
Associate Professor Liz Ledgerwood:
Kia ora, I’m Liz Ledgerwood, and I’m the Director of the Biomedical Sciences Programme at Otago University.
So, what is biomedical science? Biomedical science is the study of the human body, from what’s happening in the individual cells through to the whole body, and then how we might diagnose diseases and how we might treat diseases.
If you’re really interested in how our body works and how we can understand how our body works, you might be interested in doing a degree in Biomedical Sciences at Otago.
The Biomedical Sciences degree is a three-year programme. In your first year, you study biology subjects, as well as chemistry and physics. You can take these subjects either as part of Health Sciences First Year or the Biomedical Sciences First Year programme. After this, you have the opportunity in Biomedical Sciences to choose a combination of subjects that really interests you.
We have six majors. For example, you might combine anatomy and genetics to study reproduction, development, and genetics, or you might combine physiology and pharmacology in your study of drugs and human health. It’s really a degree that you can tailor to your interests.
Our graduates in Biomedical Science go on to a wide range of careers, both in New Zealand and internationally. Many of our students go on to further study—this could be with us, as we have postgraduate programmes in Dunedin, Wellington, and Christchurch. Other students go on to study in health professional programmes such as medicine, dentistry, or audiology.
We also have students who become involved in education—some become secondary school teachers, others university lecturers like me. Some go on to work for the government, and try and put into practice, what we learn in research, into government policy.
Otago University is a world leader in Biomedical Sciences. When you come to study Biomedical Science at Otago, you’ll be taught by researchers who are at the forefront of this field, whether it’s in infectious diseases or in cancer genetics, for example. You’ll really get the opportunity for hands-on learning—not just lectures, but also a lot of practical work—so you can truly understand how we discover what we know about our bodies.
So, if this sounds like you—if you’re really interested in how our body works and how we can treat people—really think about coming to Otago and doing a degree in Biomedical Sciences.
How you will learn
This degree offers a blend of classroom learning and hands-on research experience. You will take part in lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and self-directed study. Your courses are research-informed and connected to real health and science challenges.
Admission pathways: Students can enter the Biomedcial Sciences programme directly or via Health Sciences First Year.
First year: You will take core health science papers, five of which are common with Health Sciences First Year (HSFY). Students who complete HSFY can transition straight into the Biomedical Sciences second year and choose their major.
Second and third years: You will specialise in one of six majors, taking core papers and electives tailored to your interests. You will also gain practical lab skills and experience with data analysis, report writing, presentations and scientific research.
Support and scholarships: Otago offers academic, career and wellbeing support, along with a range of scholarships.
International students: We welcome students from around the world, with dedicated support and services to help you thrive at Otago.
BBiomedSc majors
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
There are no compulsory subjects, but Chemistry is strongly recommended. If you have not studied Chemistry, you can take Introductory Chemistry or CHEM 150 through Summer School before you begin.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
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Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
At Otago, you will learn from globally recognised scientists in areas such as immunology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and drug discovery. You will gain practical lab experience in modern biomedical facilities and benefit from teaching that is closely linked to contemporary research.
Otago is home to New Zealand’s first medical school and is ranked number one nationally for Anatomy, Physiology and Dentistry. With over 150 years of health science expertise, you will be part of a vibrant and well-connected research community.
More information
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