Study the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc) in Pacific and Global Health
Explore health challenges beyond borders and systems
In Dunedin, you will learn in a research-led environment that connects health with culture, equity, policy, and community wellbeing. Teaching draws on Pacific perspectives and global health issues, helping you investigate complex challenges from multiple viewpoints. You will study alongside students passionate about improving health outcomes while benefiting from Otago’s strong reputation in health sciences and interdisciplinary learning.
Ready to apply?
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
Regulations for the degree of Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc)
Structure of the programme
- Every degree programme shall consist of papers worth not less than 360 points.
- Except as provided for in regulation 1(d), every programme of study for the degree shall satisfy the requirements for at least one of the major subjects listed in the BHealSc Schedule Part 1. No paper above 200-level may count towards more than one major subject requirement.
- The programme may include one or more optional minor subjects which satisfy the minor subject requirements in the BHealSc Schedule Part 2, Arts and Music Schedule A, or Commerce Schedule A, or Science Schedule A. No paper may count for both a major and a minor subject requirement or for more than one minor subject requirement unless that paper is at 100- or 200-level and is specified as compulsory for both requirements.
- A student who has withdrawn permanently from study for any of the degrees of Bachelor of Dental Surgery, or Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, or Bachelor of Pharmacy, or Bachelor of Physiotherapy, having passed papers worth at least 360 points towards the programme concerned, may be admitted to the degree without specification of a major subject.
- A student who has withdrawn permanently from study for any of the degrees of Bachelor of Dental Technology, or Bachelor of Oral Health, or Bachelor of Radiation Therapy, having passed papers worth at least 360 points, including 300-level papers worth at least 72 points for the programme concerned, may be admitted to the degree without specification of a major subject.
Prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions
Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Note: A major subject is not required by candidates with passes in papers for professional programmes in Health Sciences (BDS, BMLSc, MB ChB, BPharm, BPhty, BDentTech, BOH, BRT) who are awarded the degree under regulation 1(d) above.
Explore more in Pacific and Global Health
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Study Pacific and Global Health at Otago
Career opportunities
Studying Pacific and Global Health prepares you for roles where culture, community and equity matter. Graduates work across public health, government, NGOs and community organisations in Aotearoa and the wider Pacific region.
Career pathways include:
- Health programme coordinator in community or public health settings
- Policy or public health advisor with a focus on Pacific and global wellbeing
- Community health navigator supporting Pacific families and organisations
- Research assistant or project officer in NGOs, health agencies or government
- Further study in public health, global health or research degrees
University jargon
Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.
- What’s a degree and how does it work?
- What’s a double degree?
- What’s a combined degree?
- Explore all terminology
Minor subjects
A minor subject can be included in many undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level. Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject.
Selecting a minor subject is not compulsory and there may be other combinations of papers more appropriate to your degree.
Turn complex health issues into practical action
This major helps you build practical skills for a fast-changing health landscape. You will explore how health systems, policy, migration, climate pressures, and social conditions shape wellbeing, while learning to think across disciplines and develop informed responses.
With room to connect health with areas such as politics, economics, and community development, Pacific and Global Health offers a flexible degree with clear purpose for students who want to contribute to healthier, more equitable futures.
Further study
We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at honours, master's and PhD level.
More information
Have a question or need support? AskOtago can connect you with the right team for personalised help.
