Why Study / Key Benefits

• BSc(Hons) is an advanced one-year science qualification combining high-level coursework with independent research.
• Students can specialise in a specific science discipline rather than studying a broad range of undergraduate subjects.
• The programme develops advanced subject knowledge, research capability, analytical thinking and independent study skills.
• A 30-point research project is a compulsory component of the qualification.
• UC provides access to laboratories, research facilities, fieldwork and specialist academic expertise across its Faculty of Science.
• Depending on the subject, students can undertake practical laboratory, computational or field-based research.
• The degree can provide a pathway into employment requiring advanced scientific knowledge or further postgraduate study.
• High-achieving graduates may be eligible to progress directly to a PhD, subject to the relevant requirements.
• UC's science portfolio covers areas ranging from Astronomy and Biochemistry to Data Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The BSc(Hons) has a common overall framework:

• 90 points of advanced coursework
• 30-point research project
• Total: 120 points.

The actual subjects depend on the selected honours discipline.

Current single-major options include:

• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Chemistry
• Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Ecology
• Economics
• Environmental Science
• Financial Engineering
• Geography
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Physics
• Medical Physics
• Microbiology
• Physics
• Statistics.

Examples of programme structures:

Astronomy

• ASTR480 research project, or SCIE481 and SCIE482
• ASTR422
• ASTR423, ASTR425 or ASTR426
• PHYS415
• Additional approved 400-level Physics/Medical Physics courses.

Biochemistry

• 120 points of approved 400-level BCHM, CHEM or BIOL courses
• BCHM480
• Either BIOL411 and BIOL412 or CHEM430 and CHEM431
• Additional advanced coursework.

Biological Sciences

• BIOL411
• BIOL412
• A research project such as BIOL480 or SCIE481/SCIE482
• At least 45 points from other 400-level Biological Sciences courses.

Computer Science

• COSC470 research project, or SCIE481/SCIE482
• COSC469
• Additional 400-level Computer Science, Software Engineering and approved Data Science courses.

Data Science

• DATA480 research project, or SCIE481/SCIE482
• COSC469
• Additional approved advanced courses from Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics and Software Engineering
• At least 30 points from prescribed COSC/SENG courses and 30 points from prescribed MATH/STAT courses.

Environmental Science

• ENVR480 research project
• ENVR411
• ENVR415
• 60 points of relevant advanced courses selected from areas including Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Data Science, Disaster Risk and Resilience, Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Health, Mathematics, Statistics and Water Resource Management.

Geography

• GEOG420 research project, or SCIE481/SCIE482
• 90 additional points from GEOG401–419 and GISC403–417
• Not all courses are necessarily offered every year.

Geology

• GEOL470 research project, or SCIE481/SCIE482
• 90 points from other 400-level Geology courses
• Up to 45 points may be replaced by approved relevant courses
• Practical and fieldwork may be required.

Mathematics

• MATH449 research project, or SCIE481/SCIE482
• 90 points from advanced Mathematics/Statistics and approved courses
• At least 60 points must be Mathematics courses.

Physics

• PHYS480 research project, or SCIE481/SCIE482
• 90 points from advanced Physics, Astronomy and selected Medical Physics courses
• Maximum 30 points from PHYS440–460.

Statistics

• STAT449 research project, or SCIE481/SCIE482
• 90 points from advanced Statistics/Mathematics or approved courses
• At least 60 points must be Statistics courses.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The BSc(Hons) can be completed as:

Single-major honours:

• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Chemistry
• Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Ecology
• Economics
• Environmental Science
• Financial Engineering
• Geography
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Physics
• Medical Physics
• Microbiology
• Physics
• Statistics.

Combined honours options listed in the 2026 regulations include:

• Economics and Mathematics
• Finance and Mathematics
• Finance and Statistics
• Mathematics and Philosophy
• Mathematics and Statistics.

Programme Highlights

• 120-point honours qualification.
• NZQF Level 8.
• One year full-time.
• February or July start.
• 90 points of advanced coursework.
• Compulsory 30-point research project.
• Option for combined honours in selected disciplines.
• Wide choice of scientific specialisations.
• Strong research orientation.
• Access to UC's science laboratories and research environment.
• Potential pathway to a Master of Science.
• High-performing graduates may be eligible for direct progression to PhD study.
• UC's 2026 regulations allow a student who has completed BSc(Hons) to apply for admission to the Master of Science and have credits transferred, subject to approval.

Career Outcomes

Career outcomes depend strongly on the selected discipline.

Possible areas include:

• Scientific research
• Laboratory science
• Environmental science
• Data science
• Statistics
• Computer science
• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Ecology
• Geology
• Geography
• Physics
• Astronomy
• Mathematics
• Financial analysis/quantitative roles
• Scientific consulting
• Government and public-sector science
• Research institutes
• Policy and technical advisory work
• Science communication and writing
• University and research-sector roles.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current BSc(Hons) regulations came into force on 1 January 2026.
• The current UC programme page confirms the qualification as 120 points and one year full-time.
• A 30-point research project is compulsory.
• Admission requires a strong academic record, normally a B+ / 6.0 GPA average in 60 points of relevant 300-level major study.
• Individual honours subjects have additional prerequisites.
• Not all advanced courses are offered every year.
• Some subjects may require laboratory or fieldwork.
• Combined honours requires approval and additional subject-specific requirements.
• Students who fail more than 30 points are withdrawn from the qualification under the 2026 regulations.
• The formal qualification time limit is 12 months unless an exemption is approved.
• Students who complete the qualification may apply for an MSc pathway with credit transfer, subject to approval.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student undertaking the BSc(Hons) in New Zealand, the relevant visa will generally be the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand approval.

Current requirements include:

• Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient tuition funding or an eligible scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.