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University of Auckland, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Region: Dunedin Country: New Zealand

About The University
The University of Auckland was formally opened on 23 May 1883 as Auckland University College, part of the University of New Zealand. A disused courthouse and jail served as premises for the 95 students and 4 teaching staff. The roll increased slowly but steadily during the remainder of the 19th century; by 1901 it had risen to 156 students.

Most students were enrolled part-time, training as teachers or law clerks, although after 1905 the number of commerce students rose markedly. During this time, the University focused on teaching: research was not expected, and was rarely performed by teaching staff. Nevertheless, some students carried out impressive early research, most notably in chemistry.

Learn more about the University's history by visiting the General Library's The study of medical and health sciences at The University of Auckland will provide you with world-class qualifications. We are ranked in the top 1% of biomedical universities around the world, and are recognised for the outstanding level of our graduates, the excellence of our research, and the leading teaching and support we offer our students.

Study at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences allows you access to lecturers who are leaders in their fields, a wide variety of programmes and courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and the opportunity to become involved with leading research centres and initiatives.

Whether your choice is to be a scientist, nurse, pharmacist, doctor or other health professional, we can provide you with the knowledge, skills and attitude for a successful and rewarding future. Our partnership with major District Health Boards will provide you with the oportunity to gain valuable clinical experience.

Our graduates are valued, respected members of society. I am delighted that you are considering studying at our faculty.

Vision and plans
The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences aims to improve the health and wellbeing of our local, national and global communities through excellence in teaching, research and service.

Over the past three years we have opened the award winning AMRF Medical Sciences Learning Centre, seen significant enhancement of our Advanced Clinical Skills Centre at Mercy Ascot Hospital, and commissioned a suite of new teaching rooms and a large integrated teaching facility.

In 2009, the faculty opened the Centre for Brain Research, one of the largest neuroscience research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. These resources will enable our students to fully experience the rewards of learning and researching in a world-class academic, medical and health sciences environment. Work also continues on the redevelopment of the Grafton Campus.

When Auckland University College opened in May 1883, the Governor of New Zealand, Sir William Jervois spoke of the significance "of placing the advantages of a university within the reach of every man and woman of Auckland ...and that for all time".

Research at Auckland

The University of Auckland recognises research and research-led teaching as primary responsibilities of its academic staff, and places value on fostering, publishing and disseminating research of the highest international quality.

The University of Auckland's Missions, Goals and Strategies statement reflects this strong emphasis on the importance of quality research. By 2012, the University aims to:

  • achieve 800 masters and 500 doctoral completions per annum
  • provide enhanced support for research activities by doubling external research income from its level in 2005 to $270M per annum - more than $100 million per annum more than in 2007
  • achieve a PBRF ratio of A:B:C:R rated researchers working at the University of 20:50:22:8
  • develop large-scale research institutes of excellence.
As the leading research university in New Zealand, The University of Auckland is committed to the quality and excellence of all its degree courses, including its graduate and doctoral programmes. Masters and doctoral degrees are offered in the traditional disciplines, as well as a broad range of emerging cross-disciplinary subject areas. The University of Auckland has world-class academic staff, extensive library resources, excellent research facilities and state-of-the-art information technology.

Research topics being investigated at the University are very diverse and include arts, business, creative arts, education, engineering, law, medical and health sciences, science and theology. More information about our research activities is available on the page

At The University of Auckland, a great deal of effort goes into discovering answers to questions you may wonder about. We do this through research. To find out what some of our researchers are doing at the University, visit Postgraduate students also make significant contributions to The University of Auckland's research activities while studying for higher degrees. Each year the University offers several summer research scholarships for students who have completed at least two years of their undergraduate degree. For further information,
Programmes and courses

Use our Programmes and Courses Finder to search for The University of Auckland programme or degree that's right for you.

Glossary of terms
Course: The basic component of all University programmes
Degree: Principal University qualification (eg, bachelors and masters degrees)
Postgraduate: Someone studying toward a second or higher degree (eg, PhD)
Preparation programmes: Study pathways to help qualify for University admission
Programme: A set of courses and/or other work that leads to the rewarding of a certificate, diploma or degree (eg Bachelor of Science programme)
Subject: An area of learning (eg, Accounting, Italian, Chemistry)
Undergraduate: A person studying toward a first degree, diploma or certificate

General admission information
Minimum age
  • To be eligible for admission to The University of Auckland, you normally must have reached the age of 16 years by 31 December in the year preceding that in which admission is sought.
  • For information on the criteria for consideration for applicants under the age of 16, see
English language requirements
You must meet certain standards of English language proficiency.
You will meet these if English is your first language, or if you have a New Zealand University Entrance qualification (eg, from NCEA). For more information about literacy requirements, see the following pages:

Equity groups of students

We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all who have the potential to succeed at The University of Auckland.

All faculties are committed to increasing the participation and success of students from equity groups, including:
  • Students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Students with disabilities.
  • Women in Science and Engineering.
  • Māori and Pacific students.
Please contact the relevant faculties directly to find out about their admission schemes. For contact details, see

Admission from New Zealand secondary school qualifications in 2011

To be admitted to the University, school leavers must have a University Entrance qualification based on NCEA, CIE, IB or another recognised, equivalent qualification.

You must also meet the admission requirements and be selected into your programme of study.

Approved subjects and required subjects
  • Approved subjects are subjects approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for university entrance. For a list of approved subjects, contact your school or visit the
  • Required subjects are approved subjects that we require you to have studied before you can be considered for selection into some programmes. For more information, see
Conjoint programmes
If you are applying for a conjoint programme you must meet the admission and selection requirements for both programmes of study.

Rank scores for all applicants
  • All undergraduate applicants applying based on NCEA, CIE or IB will be given a rank score.
  • To see the rank scores required for guaranteed entry in 2011, specific subject and credit requirements and any other requirements you need for admission into The University of Auckland's undergraduate programmes, go to
  • Guaranteed entry scores for 2012 admission will be published later in 2011. For more information about individual programme requirements, refer to the relevant faculty undergraduate prospectus or website.
Guaranteed admission
If you meet the University Entrance Standard, the rank score and the other requirements for your programme or programmes you will be offered a place.

Special Admission
  • If you are over 20 on the first day of semester, are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have no formal University Entrance qualification, you may be eligible for Special Admission.
  • If admission is approved, you may be considered for selection into programmes such as the Bachelors of Arts, Education, Laws (Part I), Science or Theology or the Certificates of Arts or Science.
  • You will need to consult with the relevant faculties before applying for courses or programmes. Evidence of other study or work skills will need to be provided with your application.
  • To find out more, see
Recognition of Previous Academic Study
  • The University of Auckland accepts applications from students who wish to transfer from other tertiary institutions.
  • If you are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident and have studied at another tertiary institution in New Zealand or overseas, we will need to assess your results to determine your eligibility for admission to The University of Auckland.
  • At the time of your application, you may also apply for credit for courses completed elsewhere.

Video Presentation

Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences 2012 Orientation

Contact Details


Address: The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142
New Zealand

Email: studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz

64 9 373 7999

http://www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz

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