Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
Nurses are critical to the success of the healthcare system, and AUT-trained nurses are recognised as some of the best in New Zealand. Study the Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) to start your nursing career.
Our nursing degree focuses on interprofessional practice and care, just like it is in the workplace. You’ll learn that health and healthcare is multifaceted and dynamic, and goes beyond health and illness care to nurture the growth of healthy communities. Throughout your studies you complete 1,200 hours of practical experience in hospitals and in the community.
Graduates who pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s State Examination gain registration as a Registered Nurse.
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Minimum entry requirements
If you have New Zealand qualifications
- University Entrance or equivalent
- Must be capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children’s Act 2014 requirements, including police clearance
- Preference will be given to applicants with one subject from Art History, Classical Studies, Drama, English, Geography, Health Education, History, Media Studies, Social Studies, Te Reo Māori or Te Reo Rangatira, and one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Physics, Science, Calculus, Mathematics, Statistics
Applicants with English as a second or other language who have not completed at least three years of secondary schooling in NZ will be required to meet IELTS requirements.
If you have qualifications from another country
See entry requirements for students from other countries. Select your country from the dropdown menu.
Useful New Zealand school subjects
Biology, Chemistry, Health, Physical Education, Psychology, Science, Art History, Classical Studies, Drama, English, Geography, Health Education, History, Media Studies, Social Studies, Statistics, Te Reo Māori, Te Reo Rangatira
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.5 or higher
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
- HEAL506 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication (15 points)
- HEAL512 Te Tiriti Ora (15 points)
- HEAL513 Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Practice (15 points)
- HEAL514 Understanding the Human Body Systems for Health Practice (15 points)
In the first semester all students study the same four courses to help you develop an in-depth understanding of general healthcare, learning alongside other health science students.
If you started before 2026
If you started your studies in the Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) in 2025 or earlier, the courses you need to complete may be a little different. Find out what courses you need to take to complete your qualification if you started in 2025 or earlier.
Semester 2 courses
- NURS503 Introduction to Nursing Practice (45 points)
- HEAL609 Integrated Human Body Systems (15 points)
The second semester focuses on nursing knowledge, nursing skills and health service delivery.
Year 2
In your second year, you focus on nursing individuals with physical and mental illness. Year 2 also includes community placements where you gain clinical experience in both the hospital and community, in acute and chronic illness and mental health. You also become familiar with conceptual knowledge, psychomotor skills and clinical decision-making skills.
Semester 1 courses
- HEAL610 Methods of Research and Enquiry (15 points)
- NURS600 Hauora Māori and Nursing (15 points)
- NURS601 Fundamentals of Acute Nursing Practice (30 points)
Semester 2 courses
- NURS602 Long-Term Care and Disability (15 points)
- NURS603 Mental Health Nursing Practice (30 points)
- PHMY701 Pharmacology for Professional Practice (15 points)
Year 3
In your final year, the focus is on the complexity of caring for individuals, young and old, and their families in hospital and community settings. You develop clinical skills, clinical reasoning and decision-making skills to nurse people with complex health conditions. You also study the impact of developmental and rehabilitation issues.
Semester 1 courses
- NURS701 Complexity in Acute Nursing Practice (30 points)
- NURS705 Community, Context and Nursing (30 points)
Semester 2 courses
And one of
- HEAL706 15-Point Special Topic* (15 points)
- HEAL708 Professional Practice & Ethics (15 points)
- HLAW701 Health Law and Policy (15 points)
- MAOH701 Māori Health Promotion (15 points)
- MAOH702 Applied Primary Māori Mental Health (15 points)
- PARA704 Clinical Risk Management (15 points)
Or any other bachelor’s degree courses with approval of programme leader
*Subject to approval by the programme leader
Workplace experience as part of the nursing degree
The final semester prepares you for graduate nursing practice. This involves an extended placement (360 hours) in a setting where you can apply your science and nursing knowledge to the nursing of individuals, families and populations with a range of health needs.
Recent placements included:
- Starship (paediatric)
- Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
- Mason Clinic (forensic mental health)
- Emergency and critical care departments
- Primary healthcare
- Aged care
Throughout your studies you complete 1,000 hours of practical experience in hospitals and community centres.
Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?
Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.
Workplace experience in AUT programmes
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.
Graduates who pass the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s State Examination gain registration as a Registered Nurse. Nursing registration gives scope for specialisation in health service delivery and work in organisations allied to the health sector.
Examples include:
- Acute care nursing – public or private
- Advanced nursing practice
- Health administrator/manager
- Medical representative
- Mental health nursing
- Nurse in defence forces
- Nurse lecturer/researcher
- Primary healthcare nursing
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
Other undergraduate study options
- Bachelor of Health Science
- Case Management
- Counselling
- Health Management
- Paramedicine
- Perioperative Practice
- Psychology
- Public and Environmental Health
- No major (tailor the degree to your interests and career goals)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology conjoint programmes
Postgraduate study options
($8,190 - $8,606 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
($41,600 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
- Fees-free study may be available for domestic students
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.