A non-clinical subject, Health Sciences offers a multidisciplinary understanding of health in New Zealand. You’ll learn about the biological, social and behavioural bases of the Western medical system as you prepare for a career in the health sector and related industries. Taken into consideration will be socio-economic and behavioural factors, as well as the role governments play in determining the health of our communities.

Topics include health and society, epidemiology, behaviour and health, health systems, healthcare ethics, Māori and Pacific health and human biology.

Health Sciences is a great choice for students who want to prepare for a broad range of health-related careers.

For postgraduate students, you can also complete a Health Sciences degree at the Liggins Institute. The Liggins Institute has a particular focus on fetal and child health, nutrition, development, epigenetics and translational science. It’s a good option if you’re interested in investigating the long-term consequences of early life events.

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university in the QS World University Rankings 2018. It is the only New Zealand university that ranks in the top 100 for its reputation amongst academics and employers, and is the highest ranking university in the country for Graduate Employability.

When you join the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences or the Liggins Institute for your doctorate in Health Sciences, you'll become part of a high-calibre research community and have the opportunity to publish papers, attend international conferences and develop your network in academia and industry. You’ll be undertaking an advanced course of independent study and original research, presented in the form of a thesis.
There is much support available, including from outside the university, and we have strong links to the Crown Research Institutes of New Zealand.
Financially, you’ll have access to PReSS, which offers our doctoral candidates funding above and beyond scholarships or grants.