Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion)
Promote healthier communities through practical, evidence-based health initiatives.
Good health is shaped by more than individual choices. It's influenced by environments, culture, food, physical activity, access and the support people receive in daily life.
You'll explore how to plan, deliver and evaluate health promotion initiatives for diverse communities, with a strong focus on equity, wellbeing and culturally responsive practice.
Through applied learning and industry practicums, you'll connect classroom knowledge with real settings, building confidence to communicate, collaborate and advocate for healthier people, whānau and communities.
Key features
- Pathway to public health careers:
Prepare for non-clinical roles in health promotion, wellbeing and community health.
- Health equity focus:
Gain the skills to help address barriers to wellbeing through advocacy, education and community action.
- 200 hours industry experience:
Build real-world experience through two supervised community-based practicums.
- Strong industry connections:
Learn from industry partners, guest speakers and community organisations.
What you'll learn
- Health promotion principles and key frameworks
- Social determinants of health and wellbeing
- Behaviour change and healthy lifestyles approaches
- Multicultural models of health promotion
- Hauora Māori and te Tiriti in practice
- Pacific culture and health
- Professional communication and collaboration
- Research design, statistics and evidence use
- Exercise prescription
- Exercise, health and nutrition psychology
- Public health
- Health promotion for diverse populations
- Planning, delivery and evaluation of health initiatives
- Sustainability and planetary health perspectives
Fees for 2026
University Entrance as defined by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), which must include:
- 14 credits at Level 3 in each of:
- Biology or Physical Education or Health Education
- another subject, preferably Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography or Psychology.
- (Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2 or alternative as approved by the specialisation coordinator.)
- one other subject from the list of approved subjects*
OR successful completion of NZ3563 New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway or equivalent
* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
In addition you need to:
Consent to Disclosure of Information
- Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
- The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Faculty Dean or delegate. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
This may include Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact Ara for advice.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
What if I have achieved New Zealand University Entrance?
If you have achieved New Zealand University Entrance requirements, you are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.
Funding assistance
If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
- Community wellbeing worker
- Health coach
- Workplace wellbeing coordinator
- Health promoter
- Health promotion coordinator
Graduates of this qualification have been employed by:
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
- Pegasus Health
- Stroke Foundation
- Sport Canterbury
- Tangata Atumotu Trust - Read this graduate's story
- Whānau Whanake
- He Waka Tapu
- Ryman Healthcare
- Arvida Good Friends
- Katherine West Health Board (Australia) - Read this graduate's story
Study pathways
Pathway into this qualification
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Level 4 (Pre-health Pathway)
- New Zealand Certificate in Exercise
Recommended school subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Science
Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion)
Promote healthier communities through practical, evidence-based health initiatives.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Degree |
| Code | CH3981 |
| Next starts | February 2027 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | Please enquire |
| Credits | 360 |
| Level | 7 |
| Additional Equipment/Fees | $1000 textbooks, travel to work placements |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| Reference | CH3981-HEPR |
Fees for 2026
Additional Entry Requirements
In addition you need to:
Consent to Disclosure of Information
- Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
- The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Faculty Dean or delegate. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
Credit Recognition
Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.
Apply for credit recognitionDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 425 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 357 KB
Area of Interest
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