Bachelor of Biomedical Science

From genetics and immunology to disease and medicine— learn how cells function, study for a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Victoria University of Wellington.

If you want to be at the cutting-edge of science and are looking for new understanding about health issues and cures for diseases, then this is the degree for you.

Immerse yourself in science

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is a three-year [undergraduate] degree that will give you a basic understanding of molecular and cell biology, along with the research skills you need to start your journey towards a career in biomedical science.

To find out more about career opportunities with the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, see what you can do with a degree in Cell and Molecular Bioscience and Biomedical Science. You'll study the relationships between humans, health and disease, and look at real-life health and medical issues like new diseases, or old diseases that resist treatment. Other areas you'll study are the role of molecular biology in health, drug design and clinical testing.

Covering the entirety of human life, from reproduction to ageing, including microbiology and pharmacology, you'll gain a solid understanding of the world of biomedical science.

Get a taste for university

Watch this short taster lecture to help you decide which degree is right for you. If you're curious to explore more, check out our full library of taster lectures.

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.

First year

You'll study six [core] 100-level courses that cover the basics of cell biology—how the body is put together, and animal and human physiology—how the body functions. You'll look at the biology of disease and you'll study related areas like Chemistry, Psychology and Statistics.

Second year

You'll build on the foundations of your first year, studying molecular biology and advanced physiology. You'll do some biochemistry and learn about the genetic make-up of disease. You have to complete three 200-level courses plus the core courses required for your chosen major.

Third year

During your third year you'll be drawing on the solid understanding you have of the concepts and vocabulary of Biomedical Science. You'll have skills in critical thinking, creative thinking and communication, and be able to ask informed questions.

Download our handbook

Fill in a form to find out more about your study options in Biomedical Science in our qualification handbook.

Get a postgraduate qualification

If you continue into [postgraduate] study, you'll develop your skills further. Work on building hypotheses, gathering, evaluating and interpreting data—then putting it all together and communicating your findings.

Flexibility in your degree

Take advantage of the flexibility offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Depending on your degree, you may be able to do a:

• Double major—specialise in two subjects in your degree.
• Second major from another degree—study a wider range of subjects without doing another degree.
• Minor—specialise in a subject without doing as many courses as for a major.
• Conjoint degree—this intense programme lets you complete two degrees more quickly, in a minimum of four years.

International scholarships

Many scholarships are available for international students at Victoria University of Wellington. They can help with tuition fees and with accommodation costs.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to hundreds of first-year students each year. They help with living costs and accommodation costs at the University's halls of residence.

Our Tangiwai, Totoweka, and Kahotea scholarships are available to school leavers, and there are several other first-year scholarships on offer in our scholarships database.

You can also apply for a TeachNZ Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded based on specific areas where teachers are needed.

We strongly recommend applying for our scholarships, as they often don’t receive enough applications.