Immerse yourself in human biology
Explore the relationships between humans, health, and disease. Uncover the cellular and physiological principles that form the basis of human health and disease. Your study will cover the entire human lifespan—from reproduction to ageing.
Pandemics, antibiotic resistance, gene-editing technology, and drug design are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing our world. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science introduces you to the molecular and cell biology behind these topics.
Learning on campus, in research institutes, and in hospitals, develop research skills to start your journey towards a career in biomedical science.
The BBmedSc at Te Herenga Waka
Hear from lecturers and students about the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBmedSc) degree at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
What you’ll learn
Studying the BBmedSc, you’ll build a foundation in:
- biochemistry
- genetics
- neuroscience
- microbiology
- pharmacology
- physiology
- pathology
- reproduction.
Look at real health and medical issues like new diseases—or old diseases that resist treatment.
You’ll also learn the role of molecular biology in health, drug design, and clinical testing.
Learning at the forefront of research
Your teachers are active scientists and world experts in areas of Biomedical Science.
We also have relationships with organisations at the forefront of research and development in the field, including:
Year breakdown
First year
You’ll study core courses that cover the basics of:
- cell biology—the structure of cells, their different parts, and how they work, alone or together in an animal
- animal and human biology—how the body is structured and how the different organs work together from and embryo to an adult.
You’ll look at the biology of disease and study related areas like Chemistry, Psychology, and Statistics.
Second year
You’ll study molecular biology and advanced human physiology. You’ll learn some biochemistry and about the genetic make-up of diseases.
You’ll explore how:
- organic molecules work together to sustain cellular life
- genes control the functions of cells and organs
- cells arrange themselves into an embryo to become an adult
- the organs of your body work together to keep you healthy—and what happens when you get sick.
You’ll complete 200-level core courses plus the courses required for your chosen major.
Third year
You’ll focus on biomedical applications that—depending on your major—will prepare you for postgraduate research or a career in human health and clinical medicine-related fields.
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.
How our degrees work
Flexible, or structured? Learn more about the different types of undergraduate degrees at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed secondary school 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:
New Zealand university entrance or equivalent.
Entry for domestic students
- Your acceptance to this programme is based on your previous qualifications or experience.
- If you’re not sure what admission type you are, you can use our tool to check.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the BBmedSc
For this degree, you need to complete at least 360 points, of which:
- A maximum of 180 points can be at 100 level
- At least 180 points must be at 200 and 300 level
Complete five core courses at 100 level (usually in first year):
- Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL 111)
- Biology of Animals (BIOL 114)
- The Biology of Disease (BMSC 117)
- Chemistry of Life (CHEM 121)
- Statistics in Practice (STAT 193)
Complete three core courses at 200 level (usually in second year):
Satisfy the requirements for at least one major subject
Important information
- You can major in one or two subjects. Your first major must be one of the three BBmedSc subjects, and your second major can be from the BBmedSc or another undergraduate degree, such as the BSc or BPsyc. Combinations involving Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Psychology, or Statistics may be especially favourable, given the list of optional courses for the BBmedSc majors.
- If you take two majors under the BBmedSc degree, a special rule allows you to share 300-level courses. You still need to obtain 120 points of 300-level courses that meet the requirements for the two majors.
- You can also choose to do a minor in a subject from the BBmedSc or another undergraduate degree. If you are doing a BBmedSc, you can’t take these minors from the BSc: Biology, Biotechnology, or Cell and Molecular Science.
- Make sure you check what the prerequisites are for all 200- and 300-level courses you are planning to do in your degree.
- If you don’t have 16 credits in Chemistry at NCEA Level 3 (which must include AS91390, AS91391 and AS91392) you’ll have to complete Concepts of Chemistry (CHEM 113) before beginning Chemistry of Life (CHEM 121). If you are an international student, or haven’t done NCEA, your academic suitability will be assessed during the application process.
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.
BBmedSc subjects
Human Genetics
Molecular Pathology
Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry
No matching majors found.
Second major subjects
You can choose to add an optional second major from within the BBmedSc or from another degree. Explore your options for a second major below.
Accounting
Actuarial Science
Animation and Visual Effects
Applied Physics
Architecture History and Theory
Art History
Artificial Intelligence
Asian Studies
Biology
Biotechnology
Brain Sciences & Mental Health
Cell and Molecular Bioscience
Chemistry
Chinese
Classical Studies
Cognitive Science
Commercial Law
Communication Design
Computer Graphics and Games
Computer Science
Criminal Justice & Psychology
Criminology
Cultural Anthropology
Data Science
Design for Social Innovation
Development Studies
Digital Health
Digital Intelligence
Ecology and Biodiversity
Economics
Education
Educational Psychology
Electronic / Computer Systems
English Literature
Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
Fashion Design Technology
Film
Finance
French
Game Design
Geography
Geophysics
Geophysics (Meteorology)
German
Greek
Health Informatics
Health Policy and Innovation
Health Promotion
Health Psychology
Health Software Development
History
Human Genetics
Human Resource Management and Employment Relations
Industrial Design
Information Systems
Interaction Design
Intercultural Communication
International Business
International Relations
Japanese
Kaitiakitanga
Language Sciences
Latin
Literary and Creative Communication
Management
Māori Psychology
Māori Studies
Marine Biology
Marketing
Marketing Communication
Mathematics
Media Design
Media Studies
Mental Health Principles and Applications
Modern Language Studies
Molecular Pathology
Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry
Music
Pacific Studies
Philosophy
Physical Geography
Physics
Political Communication
Political Science
Psychological Science
Psychology
Public Policy
Renewable Energy Systems
Samoan Studies / Matā‘upu tau Sāmoa
Science Communication
Sociology
Space Science
Spanish
Statistics
Study of Religion
Taxation
Te Reo Māori
Theatre
Tourism Management
Work and Organisational Psychology
21 of 101 major subjects shown
Change filtersNo matching majors found.
Build your degree
Choose a major
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science offers three majors.
- Human Genetics
- Molecular Pathology
- Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry
Flexible degree options
The BBmedSc offers flexible options so you can study in more than one area. Explore how different subjects intersect, gain a wider skillset, and expand your career opportunities.
For example, you can combine your BBmedSc with:
- a major from another subject
- a minor from another subject
- another major from the BBmedSc—Human Genetics and Molecular Pathology are a common double major
- a minor from the BBmedSc.
Complementary ‘outside’ subjects include Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Psychology, or Statistics.
You can’t minor in Biology, Biotechnology, or Cell and Molecular Science from the Bachelor of Science if you're doing a BBmedSc.
Future careers
The BBmedSc is a starting point for various career paths or additional studies in biomedical fields. To work in certain careers you may need to study for further qualifications or gain work experience.
Biomedical Science graduates 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 Health New Zealand—Te Whatu Ora, in drug testing programmes, or in 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 first-year and school-leaver 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 are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also have 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.
Postgraduate study
Once you’ve completed your BBmedSc, you can choose to expand your knowledge with a postgraduate qualification to develop your skills further.
Work on building hypotheses, gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data—then putting it all together and communicating your findings.
Depending on your major, a BBmedSc can give you study options in:
- postgraduate Biomedical Science
- postgraduate Cell and Molecular Bioscience
- postgraduate Drug Discovery and Development
The BBmedSc is also an excellent starting point for medical school.
Accommodation
Live in accommodation close to campus at one of our:
- catered halls of residence
- self-catered apartments or flats
- self-catered studios.
We provide care and support across our halls and flatting communities.
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.
And if you're ever having trouble with money, talk with us. You could be eligible for government or community support, and we have a hardship fund for financial emergencies.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.