Skip to Main Content

Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

If you have a mind for science and you’re keen to keep your options open, the BSc is the degree for you. With many undergraduate majors across a wide range of subject areas, it allows you to incorporate different areas of interest and expertise.

As well as strongly emphasising transferable skills to improve your employment opportunities, this programme will expose you to cutting-edge technologies and provide a gateway to independent research. Throughout your undergraduate degree you’ll be taught by knowledgeable scientists, many of whom are major contributors in their field.

You can choose from a wide range of subject areas, as well as having the option to take a double major or a conjoint. You'll also include a capstone course at Stage III. The capstone course is student-led. It's your opportunity to integrate and apply your learning to a real-world problem in your chosen subject area.

If you’re interested in pursuing a health-related discipline, from 2027 you’ll be able to choose from six Bachelor of Science majors that offer a year one entry pathway into year two clinical programmes.

*Semester 2 intake is not available for applicants intending to take a Bachelor of Science health major as a pathway into year two clinical programmes.

Programme Structure

To complete a BSc degree, you need to pass courses totalling 360 points. Most courses are worth 15 points, and you must complete the requirements for one or more majors, or one specialisation. You must also complete a numeracy course* and a capstone course, each worth 15 points, for your chosen major or specialisation.

  • Major: a subject area that makes up about a third of your courses
  • Specialisation: a subject that makes up about half of your courses
  • Capstone course: a student-led project where you integrate and apply your learning to a real-world problem in your chosen major or specialisation

The following is a sample structure if you are a full-time student completing the programme over three years.

In your first year:

  • You will enrol in eight courses with the flexibility to explore many subject areas
  • You will probably take four courses in Semester One and four courses in Semester Two
  • You will also take a numeracy course worth 15 points
  • You will enrol in a course from the General Education schedules
  • You must enrol in WTRSCI 100 - Contemporary Science in Aotearoa New Zealand if you intend to apply for entry to a clinical programme in 2028 (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – MBChB, Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) – BMedImag(Hons), Bachelor of Optometry – BOpt, Bachelor of Pharmacy – BPharm)

In your second year and beyond:

  • You will enrol in a range of more advanced courses relating to your main subject, as well as other related areas within the Science schedules to add depth to your knowledge
  • You must select one course from the General Education schedules
  • You may include 30 points (two courses) from subjects outside of the Science schedule

In your final year:

  • You will complete a capstone course for your chosen major or specialisation

Conjoint options - Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.

Learn more about conjoints

Potential Careers

Because science plays a vital role in addressing the key issues that confront us and future generations, studying the Sciences opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Students find employment in business, small industry, government, teaching and health sectors, as well as research and development.

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

button for easy access to information about study this qualification

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2027 Summer School01 December 202606 January 202717 February 2027
2027 Semester One08 December 202601 March 202728 June 2027
2027 Semester Two04 July 202719 July 202715 November 2027

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Entry Requirements

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 in the University Calendar and the related Programme and Course Limitations and selection criteria.

My highest qualification is from New Zealand

Programme Entry Requirements

New Zealand Secondary School Qualifications

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard .
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

The Bachelor of Science is a limited entry programme and the selection criteria is subject to University Council approval. The finalised selection criteria is expected to be available in September. If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes. If you have not undertaken any further study since finishing your NZ School Leaver qualification, your application will be assessed using your school leaver results. As a result, you may receive a decision earlier than applicants who have completed additional study or are still completing their NZ School Leaver qualification.

Qualification and Score required

  • National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) - 165
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) - 170          
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) - 26

Further requirements

*Higher scores are required for Majors in Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Exercise Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Nutrition, Pharmacology and Physiology.

  • NCEA - 200 
  • CIE - 200 
  • IB - 28

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants

Further Programme Entry Requirements

New Zealand Tertiary Qualifications

You can transfer from another NZ tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

These are the minimum grades required to be considered for entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.

3.0 - Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculate your Grade Point Average   

3.0 - Grade Point Equivalent (GPE) Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent 

Further requirements

You must have completed one year of successful bachelor degree study from a New Zealand tertiary institution, or one year of successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree qualification from a New Zealand tertiary institution.

If you are applying for a major in Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Exercise Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Nutrition, Pharmacology or Physiology, you must have a GPA or GPE of 3.5 to be considered.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Transfer of Credit

  • You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information, see External transfer of credit.
  • If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

Other Pathways to Study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

Please note that special admission and discretionary entrance are not available for applications to the BSc with a major in Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Exercise Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Nutrition, Pharmacology or Physiology. 

My highest qualification is from outside of New Zealand

English Language Entry Requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.0 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 5.5

See alternative English language requirements

Programme Entry Requirements External

International Secondary School Qualification

The Bachelor of Science is a limited entry programme and the selection criteria is subject to University Council approval. The finalised selection criteria is expected to be available in September. Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

These are the minimum grades required to be considered for entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.

If your qualification is not in the table below, you will need to have one of the following

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) with a minimum total score of 26
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level with a minimum total score of BCC
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) with a minimum total score of BCC

Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included. You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.

If you are applying for a major in Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Exercise Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Nutrition, Pharmacology or Physiology you will need an IB score of 28 or a GCE A Level score of BBC to be considered.

Please note:

We do not offer direct entry from secondary school in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, or United Arab Emirates. Foundation or tertiary qualifications are required. See foundation programmes for international students or prior tertiary qualifications requirement below.

All other countries/qualifications will be assessed on application.

Programme Entry Country Qualifications Requirements

CountryQualificationGradeNotes

Further Programme Entry Requirements External

International Tertiary Institution Qualification

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these minimum requirements.

You will need to have one year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas. 

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

These are the minimum grades required for entry to the Bachelor of Science. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. Higher grades are required for Biomedical Science and Food Science and Nutrition..

3.0 - Grade Point Equivalent Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

3.0 - Grade Point Average Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

If you are applying for a major in Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Exercise Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Nutrition, Pharmacology or Physiology you must have a GPE of 4.0 to be considered. 

Transfer of Credit

You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information see External transfer of credit.

Other Pathways to Study External

You could be eligible for another programme or check out these alternative pathways:

Regulations

Disclaimer

Please note that while regulations and course outlines for future academic years may be displayed or made available in advance, they remain subject to change. Official, final approved programme regulations for the upcoming academic year will be available when the University Calendar is published in late October of the preceding year. Any information available prior to Calendar publication should be treated as provisional.

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

Duration and Total Points Value

1 A student enrolled for this degree must follow a programme of the equivalent of six full-time semesters and pass courses with a total value of 360 points, unless credit is granted under the Admission Regulations and/or the Credit Regulations.

Structure and Content

2 A student must pass courses with a total value of 360 points as listed in the Bachelor of Science Schedule, including:

a at least 180 points above Stage I, including at least 75 points above Stage II

b (i) at least one major, 15 points from a capstone course and 15 points from a numeracy course

or

(ii) one specialisation

c 30 points from courses offered in either the General Education Open Schedule or the relevant General Education Schedule approved for this degree

d up to 30 points from courses available for other programmes offered at this University.

3 A student must complete the Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

4 A student who is required to meet the Academic English Language Requirement, as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic English Language Requirement, of the University Calendar, may substitute an Academic English language course approved by the Programme Director for 15 points of General Education.

5 A student may include one or more modules from the modules available in the Bachelor of Science Schedule. If the module is completed all the courses in the module will be counted under Regulation 2.

General Education Exemptions

6 a A student is exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules who has:

either

(i) completed an undergraduate degree at a tertiary institution

or

(ii) commenced study for this degree at a tertiary institution before 1 January 2006

or

(iii) been admitted to this degree having completed 240 points or more of degree-level study at another tertiary institution.

b A student who has been exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules must substitute 30 points from courses available for this degree.

c A student admitted to this degree, who has completed between 120 and 235 points inclusive of degree-level study at another tertiary institution, or who has completed a minimum of 50 points of study towards this degree in one semester at an overseas institution, either through an overseas exchange programme or through prior approval under the Credit Regulations, must pass:

(i) 15 points from courses offered in the General Education Schedules

and

(i) a further 15 points from courses available for this degree.

Practical Professional and Practicum Requirements

7 In any course that includes assessed practical work as well as other assessed work, it may be required that a student must obtain passes in both the practical and the other work in order to pass that course as a whole. Where this is specified a student who passes the practical work but who fails the other work may, at the discretion of the Academic Head, have the result for the practical work carried forward when the course is retaken.

Conjoint Degrees

8 Special arrangements apply where this degree is taken as a component degree of an approved conjoint combination. The specific requirements and a complete list of the conjoint degrees available are set out in the Conjoint Degrees section of the University Calendar.

Special Cases

9 a In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may permit a suitably qualified student to enrol directly in a Stage II course(s). If the student fails the Stage II course(s) but is certified by the examiners as having reached a pass in an equivalent Stage I course(s), the student may be credited with the appropriate Stage I course(s).

b If a student who is enrolled in and fails an advanced or accelerated Stage I course but is certified by the examiners as having reached a pass in an equivalent Stage I course in the same subject having a lower entry requirement, the student may be credited with the latter course. The relevant Academic Head shall certify to Senate or its representative that the failed course is an advanced or accelerated course.

Variations

10 In exceptional circumstances, the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s personal programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

11 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2027.

Schedule/Programme Rules

Programme Schedules

Complete 360 points comprising:

  • 300 to 330 points for Science Requirements, and
  • 30 points from General Education Courses, and
  • 0 to 30 points from Other Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Science Requirements

Complete 300 to 330 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 150 to 330 points for Majors, or
  • 240 to 285 points for one Specialisation from Specialisations, and
  • 0 to 180 points for Other Science Courses

Selected courses must include at least 180 points at level 200 or higher.

Selected courses must include at least 75 points at level 300.

Majors

Complete 150 to 330 points comprising:

  • At least 1 item from Majors, and
  • 15 points from Numeracy Courses, and
  • 15 points from Capstone Courses

Majors

Complete at least 1 of the following:

Numeracy Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

Capstone Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

No credit will be given for INFOMGMT 399 unless a student is completing the BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Information and Technology Management.

Specialisations

Complete one Specialisation from the following:

Other Science Courses

Complete 0 to 180 points comprising:

  • 0 to 180 points from Subjects, and
  • 0 to 180 points for 0 to 4 Modules from Modules from the Bachelor of Science Schedule

No credit will be given for BUSAN 201 or BUSAN 300 unless a student is completing the BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Information and Technology Management.

No credit will be given for EDUC 200 or EDUC 221 or EDUC 323 or EDUC 352 unless a student is completing the BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Psychology.

No credit will be given for ELECTENG 209 or ELECTENG 292 or ELECTENG 331 or ELECTENG 332 unless a student is completing the BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Physics, BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Physics - Medical Physics and Imaging Technology Pathway, or BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Physics - Photonics Pathway.

No credit will be given for FINANCE 261 or FINANCE 361 or FINANCE 362 unless a student is completing the BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Mathematics, BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Statistics, BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Statistics - Applied Statistics Pathway, or BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Statistics - Statistics and Probability Pathway.

No credit will be given for INFOMGMT 192 or INFOMGMT 399 unless a student is completing the BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Information and Technology Management.

No credit will be given for INNOVENT 203 or INNOVENT 307 unless a student is completing the BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Information and Technology Management.

No credit will be given for URBPLAN 125 or URBPLAN 203 or URBPLAN 205 unless a student is completing the BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Geographic Information Science.

No credit will be given for POPLHLTH 207 or POPLHLTH 305 unless a student is completing the BSC Major Bachelor of Science major in Nutrition.

Subjects

Complete 0 to 180 points from the following:

Modules from the Bachelor of Science Schedule

Complete 0 to 4 Modules from the following:

General Education Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

Other Courses

Select between 0 and 30 credits from University of Auckland at levels 100 to 400.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Graduate Profile

Graduate Profile

#ThemeDescription
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Do you need help?

AskAuckland

AskAucklandHeader

AskAuckland

AskAucklandTop

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

AskAucklandBottom

Contact Form
Contact Phone

Footer

 

Footer Stripe

4.2