The BDes/BSc conjoint focuses on developing practical solutions for the future. We may not know the challenges and possibilities to be brought about by future technologies, but through scientific investigation, prototyping and testing, we can prepare to meet them head-on.
Within the BSc side of the conjoint, you can follow your interests in earth, chemical, computational, human, life, mathematical or physical sciences. The BDes component will encourage inquiry and the testing of outcomes to create appropriate, sustainable solutions for products, services and innovation.
Programme structure
The BDes/BSc usually takes four years to complete.
You will need to complete a total of 540 points, consisting of:
- 255 points from BSc courses
- 255 points from BDes courses:
- 165 points BDes core courses
- 90 points from BDes elective courses
- 15 points from General Education
- 15 points from courses available for any programme
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.
Your Science course enrolment will depend on your majors. You can choose up to two subjects as your major(s) for the BSc component of your conjoint.* Each Science major usually has a range of core and elective courses. In your final year, you will undertake a capstone project where you integrate and apply your learning to a real-world problem in your chosen major or specialisation.
You will probably enrol in nine 15-point courses (135 points) each year if you want to complete in four years. You need to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.5 each year to continue with your conjoint.
*Anthropological Science, Biomedical Science, Food Science and Nutrition, Information Systems and Medicinal Chemistry are not available as majors within a conjoint
Subjects available in this programme
Biological Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Design
Earth Sciences
Environmental Science
Exercise Sciences
Geographic Information Science
Geography
Geophysics
Marine Science
Mathematics
Pharmacology
Physics
Physiology
Psychology
Statistics
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.
- First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
- You must also meet the rank score for this programme.
- You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
- 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.
- Qualification NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement Score required 210
- Qualification CIE Cambridge International Examinations Score required 230
- Qualification IB International Baccalaureate Score required 28
Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.
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
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.
Where could this programme take you?
The ability to respond to market trends and stay ahead of competitors sees companies investing heavily in design teams. The viability of solutions and innovations of the future will depend on data and scientific research. In-depth knowledge of scientific disciplines brings a level of authority and widens the potential impact on solutions in business, community, government and health.
Jobs related to this programme
- AR / VR / Mixed reality designer
- Data analyst
- Data visualisation designer
- Information designer
- Innovation manager
- Policy adviser
- Research lead
- Simulation designer
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 2021
8 December 2020
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 1 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 28 June |