Biomedical Science and Cell and Molecular Bioscience
Cell and Molecular Bioscience and Biomedical Science students analyse life at a molecular level and how this can influence developments in health research.
Cell and Molecular Bioscience is a major in the Bachelor of Science degree. Students study science from a molecular level upwards. They focus on research in areas like immunology, pathology, and physiology, as well as investigate biological processes for industrial, medical, or environmental purposes.
Students who study a degree in Biomedical Science (BBmedSc) learn about the core areas of biology and cell biology with a focus on human health and medicine. They can specialise in human genetics, molecular pathology, or molecular pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, gaining new knowledge and skills to research diseases and potential cures.
Develop research, analytical, and technical skills
Students from these subject areas have skills in quantitative research, analytical and lateral thinking, methodical scientific processes, and data presentation.
Complementarity with other study areas and degree programmes
BSc students can expand their expertise by taking a second major from the Bachelor of Science or any other degree programme. Studying elective courses or a whole major in another subject, such as Health, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Public Policy, or Science Communication, can broaden employment options.
Roles and career pathways
Gaining a role as a laboratory technician is a good starting point
Graduates may work in a lab, hospital, or clinical setting, starting as a lab technician or assistant and progressing to scientist and eventually manager or specialist roles. They focus on activities such as detecting viruses and testing blood and tissue samples for diseases and genetic variances or testing for food or manufacturing companies. For work as a medical lab technician, experience in practical blood taking or testing (phlebotomy) may be helpful. Some graduates may complete a medical laboratory science postgraduate diploma to work as medical laboratory scientists.
A postgraduate qualification is necessary for research roles
Graduates with strong postgraduate academic records may move into research-specific roles in universities or crown entities. For these roles, a postgraduate qualification, such as a Master of Biomedical Science, Master of Science, or PhD, is essential. To specialise in public or environmental health or work as a genetic counsellor, a specific postgraduate qualification is also required.
Science careers beyond the lab
Graduates may work in related roles such as technical coordinators or advisors linked to scientific consents or patents. They may also work as administrators, coordinators, advisors, or data analysts in government departments or consultancies with a scientific focus. They could work on projects or policy specific to health, technology, or scientific innovation, or other areas such as finance or IT where their mix of skills is relevant.
Cell and Molecular Bioscience graduates who complete a postgraduate qualification in secondary teaching (limited entry) and have studied another teachable subject at undergraduate level can go on to teach subjects such as Biology at secondary school. See Teaching and the Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Education for more information.
Graduate career stories

Emma Dent
Analytical skills Emma fostered in undergraduate and postgraduate Science now serve her well in operations at New Zealand’s Exchange.

Zak Murray
A combination of studies in science and commerce guided Zak through lab work and sales positions into his current customer-facing role in biotechnology.

Haley Ataera
A love of science and maths propelled Haley through postgraduate study and into multiple roles in government and health policy.

Nicole Moore
Nicole’s study and early work experience gave her lab, research, and analytical skills that she wields in her career as a university researcher overseas.
Where Bioscience or Biomedical Science graduates work
Graduates may work for government departments, research institutes, universities, biotechnology companies, patent firms, pharmaceutical companies, scientific equipment distributors, or in roles that involve science communication. Some large business consultancies hire graduates who have a science qualification as they value the analytical thinking useful for consultancy projects.
Recent Cell and Molecular Bioscience and Biomedical Science graduates have worked in organisations such as:
- AsureQuality
- Health New Zealand—Te Whatu Ora
- Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) at MBIE
- Medsafe
- Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI)
- New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science
- Plant and Food Research
- South Pacific Sera Limited
- Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Build relevant skills and experience
Part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. Gaining work experience as a lab demonstrator, tutor, or research assistant on campus during your studies is a valuable way to gain relevant experience to increase your employability.
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington offers several Summer Research Scholarships where students assist a lecturer with a research project.
Summer studentships run by Plant & Food Research every year are a way to learn more about careers in this area and develop practical workplace experience.
Make career connections
Chiasma is a student-led organisation that focuses on linking Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) students with industry. Chiasma has regional committees, including one in Wellington that hosts development and networking opportunities.
Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career opportunities.
The Malaghan Institute is a world-leading medical research centre based at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. It offers opportunities for prestigious PhD study as well as opportunities for students and graduates to learn about new medical developments.
Te Kāuru—The Ferrier Research Centre is a university research centre that involves biochemists researching new drugs and technologies, as well as opportunities for postgraduate students.
The Medical Research Institute of New Zealand also offers limited internships and PhD opportunities for students.