Improve health at the system level
Why do some groups of people in Aotearoa New Zealand live longer, healthier lives than others? Where people live, their income, ethnicity, age, or disability, and our history all play a part. Many of these differences are unfair and avoidable – which means they can be changed.
In this major, you’ll learn how to make change happen. You’ll look at how policy and other types of action can improve health at every level – from local communities to national strategies. You’ll study how Aotearoa New Zealand’s health system works, including health policy and management, and use research to understand what causes health problems and how to prevent them. Topics include community health, Māori health, Pacific health, maternity care, mental health, and primary care. You’ll also explore current ideas for making health services work better for people and communities.
You’ll graduate with the skills to plan and support lasting change, ready for a career where you make a difference to people’s health.
Choose your study path
You can study Health Policy and Innovation as a major or minor in the Bachelor of Health.
Your courses will help you:
- understand what keeps people and communities healthy and well
- come up with new ideas for health policies and services that work better for people
- use statistics to make sense of health information
- see how social, biological, and cultural factors shape health.
In your first year, you’ll look at how evidence, power, and politics interact to shape decisions about health. In later years, you’ll focus on health system improvement and change, including the big health issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand today.
In your final year, you’ll choose between a research project or an internship – a chance to put what you have learned into practice.
The Bachelor of Health gives you flexibility to structure courses around your interests. You could add a second major or minor to your study, or complete a conjoint degree.
Study options
Find out how you can study Health Policy and Innovation at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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.
Future careers
Studying Health Policy and Innovation can lead to careers in:
- research and evaluation
- policy analysis and development
- project management
- health administration
- advocacy
- international health development.
Your first role could be in administration, coordination, or as an assistant adviser.
For careers in policy and research, it can be valuable to study at postgraduate level in areas like:
- health
- communication
- public policy.
More career information
Find out more about careers in data 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.
GCSB Women in STEM Scholarship
These scholarships are open to women applicants. They’re awarded on academic merit, volunteering work, and commitment to a STEM career.
Find out more about the scholarship
Other scholarships
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 Health Policy and Innovation
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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
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 offer 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 Health Policy and Innovation
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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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The Takis Koutsos Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Takis Koutsos. Mr Koutsos was a post-WW II child immigrant to New Zealand from Greece who had a lifelong interest in Greek archaeology and history and was a close friend of VUW Emeritus Professor John Psathas, who worked as a stormwater engineer in Napier. The scholarship honours...
Postgraduate study
If you get good results in your undergraduate degree, you can apply for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas give you more research opportunities or specialisations in advanced courses. You can often build on (‘staircase’) on these qualifications towards a Master’s degree.
You can go on to study Health Policy, Planning, and Service Delivery as your postgraduate subject or specialisation with a:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health
- Master of Health.
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.
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.