Auckland University Of Technology Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Laws Conjoint

Contemporary design is concerned with finding the best solution for future problems through prototyping, testing and implementation. The field places importance on understanding the social, political and cultural impact of any design solution, and the BDes/LLB strengthens this through the advanced study of legal implications.



You will develop a strong knowledge of law and public responsibility, and how these relate to designing for multiple industries. Specific to law, you will see how new modes of engaging legal services can be tested and implemented using digital, material and emerging technologies.

Programme structure

The BDes/LLB takes five years (10 semesters) if you are studying full-time. You will need to complete 675 points:

  • 255 points from BDes courses:
    • 165 points BDes core courses
    • 90 points from BDes elective courses
  • 405 points from LLB courses:
    • 45 points Part I
    • 360 points Parts II, III, and IV
  • 15 points from General Education

In your first year you will need to complete three Stage I core LLB courses, and five Stage I courses from the BDes. If admitted into Law Part II, you will continue to take a mix of Law and Design courses in each of your second, third, fourth and fifth years. You will also need to include a General Education course.

In your Design component, alongside design foundation courses and studio practice, you will build your own study plan of six elective courses from our four design themes:

  • Design and Local Community Practices
  • Design and Global Challenges
  • Design and Business
  • Design and Emerging Technologies

In your final year, you will undertake a capstone design research project, working from the initial discovery phase right through to testing and implementation.

In your LLB, you will have the choice of a wide range of law elective courses, including Corporate and Commercial, Public, Criminal, International, Family, and Environmental Law.

You will probably enrol in nine 15-point courses (135 points) each year if you want to complete in five years. You need to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.5 each year to continue with your conjoint.

Where could this programme take you?

Design is becoming an essential element in organisations wanting to stay in step with technological advancements. You will be highly sought after if you can offer a solid understanding of legal frameworks and the responsibilities that organisations carry when they innovate. As well as strength in creative problem solving, we provide opportunities for you to develop a sense of justice, robust analytical and research skills and the ability to work under pressure.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Barrister or solicitor
  • Design strategist
  • Ethics adviser
  • Experience designer
  • In-house legal counsel
  • Prototyping manager
  • Social researcher

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Subjects available in this programme

  • Design
  • Law
  • Law Pt I

2020 entry requirements

Secondary school qualifications

If you’re joining us from secondary school, here’s what you need to enter the programme.

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.



  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

  • QualificationNCEANational Certificate of Educational AchievementScore required210
  • QualificationCIECambridge International ExaminationsScore required230
  • QualificationIBInternational BaccalaureateScore required28

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Further requirements

Entry into Part II of Bachelor of Laws conjoint degrees is limited. Please see the Bachelor of Laws entry requirements.

Tertiary qualifications

If you’ve studied at a tertiary institution, here’s what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

  • Grade required GPA Grade Point Average 3.9 
  • Grade required GPE Grade Point Equivalent 3.9

Further requirements

Entry into Part II of Bachelor of Laws conjoint degrees is limited. Please see the Bachelor of Laws entry requirements.

You must have completed one semester of successful bachelors degree study from a New Zealand tertiary institution, or one year of successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree qualification from a New Zealand tertiary institution.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

  • See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
  • Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
  • If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
  • If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 20218 December 2020

Start dates



Here are the start dates for the programme.

Semester OneStarts – 2 March
Ends – 29 June
Semester OneStarts – 1 March
Ends – 28 June