UC Launches New Degree To Meet Needs Of New Zealand’s Health Sector

Developed in close consultation with partners from across the health system and community organisations, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)’s new qualification reflects a broader, more holistic understanding of health.

Reinforcing the University’s reputation of delivering highly-skilled, work-ready graduates, the programme equips students with the knowledge and practical experience to meet growing demand for a wide range of roles across the health sector – from public health to wellbeing, mental health. nutrition, exercise and policy.

“Roughly 80% of health outcomes are shaped by factors outside the clinical care system, by factors like housing, nutrition, education and social connection. We wanted a degree that reflects this reality and prepares students to lead in these areas,” says Executive Dean Health Associate Professor Cathy Andrew.

“The degree incorporates a small core set of papers allowing students to make a custom-designed degree that meets their interests, including the option of a double-major.”

Positive feedback from both graduates and employers endorses the third-year internship.

"Making the internship an integral part of the programme ensures our graduates are not only job-ready but have already contributed meaningfully to health outcomes in their communities.”

Graduate Jemma Dalley said taking the internship as an elective during her study has been invaluable for her career, “During my internship with the New Zealand Health Education Association, I created a teaching resource on Te Whare Tapa Whā, developing curriculum-aligned lessons, creative learning activities, and strong planning and facilitation skills. The experience gave me work ready skills, valuable connections, boosted my confidence as a kaiako [teacher], and continues to shape my teaching practice today.”

The structure also accommodates students transferring from other universities says Associate Professor Andrew. “In the past, students coming to UC from other health science programmes could only credit some of their courses. Now, with a Health Science major available, UC can better recognise prior study.

The Bachelor of Health is designed to allow students to pursue additional certifications such as Associate Registered Nutritionist or membership with the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners’ Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ), further enhancing their employability and professional recognition.

The degree supports a wide variety of career paths including Health Protection Officer, Health Communication Specialist, Mental Health and Addictions Practitioner, Public Health Policy Analyst, and more. It also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study or graduate entry pathways into in nursing, medicine, psychology, and other professional health fields.

Students can tailor their degree with a choice of eight majors, including:

Public Health

Health Education

Psychology

Māori and Indigenous Health

Mental Health and Addictions

Health Science

Exercise and Sport Nutrition

Physical Activity and Wellbeing

The new Bachelor of Health responds to a growing national demand for health professionals with a strong understanding of health and wellbeing determinants but who do not require full clinical registration. These roles include youth workers, healthcare assistants, support workers, community health workers.

“New Zealand’s workforce of unregulated health workers has more than doubled over the past decade, with increasing roles in mental health, primary care, and community health settings,” says Associate Professor Andrew.

Launching in 2026, future students can apply for the new Bachelor of Health here.

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