Extend your knowledge with research
Develop you analytic and research skills with a year of Honours study. Take a range of 400-level biomedical courses that suit your interests and career goals.
You’ll get practical training in research methods by completing a laboratory-based research project under the guidance of a supervisor.
You’ll develop a research proposal, carry out original research, prepare a report, and give an oral presentation. You need to meet certain requirements to study at Honours level.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the BBmedSc(Hons) degree shall have:
(i) completed a degree of this university or, at the discretion of the Associate Dean, Academic (Undergraduate) of the Wellington Faculty of Science, another university;
(ii) obtained at least 180 points from courses numbered 200–399 in the BBmedSc Schedule;
(iii) satisfied the requirements of at least one major, as listed in section 2 of the BBmedSc regulations or equivalent; and
(iv) been accepted by the Head of the School of Biological Sciences, subject to appeal to the associate dean, as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the associate dean for a candidate who has:
(i) completed all but 40 points of a Bachelor’s degree at this university; or
(ii) in exceptional cases, produced evidence to the satisfaction of the associate dean of extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
2. A candidate accepted under section 1(b)(i) shall not be awarded a BBmedSc(Hons) until the Bachelor’s degree has been completed.
Entry requirements
Your acceptance into this programme is based on your previous qualifications and experience.
You also need to talk to a supervisor to arrange a thesis topic before you enrol. Programme directors can provide more information.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the BBmedSc(Hons)
3. A candidate for this degree shall normally be enrolled for two trimesters, though with the permission of the head of school a part-time student may extend the period to four trimesters. Further extensions may be granted in special cases by the associate dean.
4. (a) The personal course of study of a candidate for the BBmedSc(Hons) shall include the following, or such substitutions as may be approved under section 5:
(i) Biomedical Science Research Project (BMSC 489)
(ii) 30 points from BMSC 401–479, CLNR 401–414, DRGD 401–405
(iii) 60 further points from BIOL 430–435, BMSC 401–449, CLNR 401–414, DRGD 401–405.
The amount of practical work shall be as determined by the head of school.
(b) A candidate enrolled in a course of study for MBmedSc, who has complied with the BBmedSc(Hons) regulations, may be awarded a BBmedSc(Hons) degree in place of the Master’s degree. For the purposes of these regulations, a candidate transferring to BBmedSc(Hons) shall be deemed to have commenced a course of study for that degree when first enrolling in the MBmedSc in that subject.
Major requirements
Majors are the subjects you focus your degree on.
Explore more degree options by adding an optional second major or minor. How our flexible degrees work.
Major subjects and requirements
Explore your major options below.
No matching majors found.
Important information
- If you want to enrol in this programme but don't meet some of the entry requirements, contact the Biomedical Science programme coordinator to discuss your options.
- For more programme details and requirements, see the University Calendar. It’s an annual publication and an authoritative source for planning your degree.
- You may, with approval from the head of school, replace one or two courses from BMSC 403–406 with other 400-level science courses. Courses in chemistry or microbiology are particularly suitable.
Learn at the forefront of research
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is home to several leading research institutes. Your teachers are active scientists and experts in areas of Biomedical Science. You might learn from someone who is:
- developing vaccines at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research
- designing sustainable technology at the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.
We also have relationships with organisations at the forefront of research and development in the field, including the:
Future careers
An extra year of study gives you the research experience that could give you a competitive career edge.
You may work in healthcare laboratories, hospitals, research institutes, clinical settings, or firms that sell medical equipment. You’ll most likely start as a lab technician or assistant.
You might work in:
- government departments such as Te Whatu Ora—Health New Zealand
- drug testing programmes
- the pharmaceutical industry.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Biomedical Science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Biomedical Science
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Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Biomedical Science
-
Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Further research or study
After your Honour’s year you can go on to complete a Master of Science in one more year of study. You may be able to change your Honours programme to a Master's programme during the year.
If you do well in your your Honour’s or Master's research, you'll be able to apply to do a PhD.
You’ll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years.
As a PhD candidate at the University you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.