Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU) - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-03

Program overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, behavioral, and biological determinants of health, wellness, and disease. This program emphasizes a multi-disciplinary approach, allowing students to explore various factors that contribute to health, from cultural contexts to cellular processes. Students will gain foundational knowledge in health promotion, disease prevention, and health policy, equipping them to address specific health issues within communities. The program also focuses on developing statistical, imaging, and qualitative research skills, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in health and social sciences.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences program is structured to provide a well-rounded education over a period of four years. Key features of the program include:

Completion of 120 units, including at least 45 upper division units.
At least 60 units must be completed at Simon Fraser University.
Courses are taught using interactive lectures, group discussions, and problem-based learning.
Experiential education opportunities where students apply health communication theories in real-world settings.
Core areas of study include health promotion, disease prevention, and health policy.

Students are also required to meet writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements, along with maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and practical application:

Co-op opportunities that allow students to gain hands-on experience in health-related fields.
Experiential education courses that involve collaboration with local communities.
Team-taught core courses by faculty from various disciplines, promoting a diverse learning environment.
Small tutorial groups that facilitate direct contact with faculty experts.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Health & Safety Advisor: Ensures workplace safety and compliance with health regulations.
Healthcare Quality Assurance Analyst: Evaluates and improves healthcare services and patient care quality.
Health Records Professional: Manages patient health information and medical records.
Bioethicist: Analyzes ethical issues in healthcare and medical research.
Health Educator: Develops programs to promote health and wellness in communities.

These roles highlight the versatility of the degree and its relevance in various sectors of health and social sciences.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Simon Fraser University (SFU) official website

Last updated on 2025-12-03

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For students interested in the Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences program, here are the key Academic Requirements:

Applicants must submit a transcript which includes interim marks for their senior year. Admission is calculated based on senior level academic subjects.
All applicants must meet the university's Quantitative and Analytical Skills requirements.
- You need a minimum of 6/10 in Senior Mathematics for admission (based on a 50% pass scale).
For the Faculty of Health Sciences, specifically for the Bachelor of Arts program, applicants must meet the general requirements with no additional faculty/program course prerequisites.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

We encourage all prospective students to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary deadlines. For any clarification or support, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at SFU. All applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, will be required to have demonstrated competence in the English language prior to admission. Competence is required in all four of the following skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

As an applicant to undergraduate studies, you must demonstrate English language competence through one of the options below:

Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English in Canada
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English, in a country in which the principal language of instruction is English
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last four (4) years of full-time secondary school education in English at a recognized international school in a country in which the principal language of instruction is not English
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program including English A (HL/SL) or English Literature and Performance (SL)
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a 3
Completion of a three unit English (ENGL) course or a certified W (writing intensive) course for which SFU grants transfer credit
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a C- (C minus)
GCSE O-Level English (or GCSE English Language B)
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a 4 (or C)

Alternatively, you may complete a Language Proficiency Exam:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic)
- Minimum score: Overall 6.5 with no part less than 6.0
Cambridge English Qualifications
- B2 First
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Proficiency
- Minimum score: Overall score 176 with no part less than 169
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT)
- Minimum score: Overall score 88 with no part less than 20
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 70, with no part less than 60
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 65, and a minimum score of 60 in the Communicative Skills, including: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing
Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 125

Note: Enrolment in first-year writing intensive courses requires higher grades than admission grades. Students must meet the University’s literacy requirements in addition to the English language Requirement.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview