Explore your passions through a rich variety of subjects and develop the creativity and flexibility needed in the changing job-market. Choose the Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor of Arts.
Study a globally ranked arts degree
Gain a new understanding of the world and the people who live in it. Ranked in the top 1 percent worldwide for Arts and Humanities and for Social Science (2020 QS World University Rankings), the Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor of Arts (BA) will give you insights into cultures, languages, art, history, politics, and societies that will challenge your thinking and expand your view of the world.
How to apply as a domestic student
1. Have University Entrance
- Check you meet one of the admission types.
- If you’re waiting on NCEA results, you can apply now. You’ll receive a conditional Offer of Study, and then a confirmation once your results are available.
2. Check key dates and apply early
- Key dates on this page show you when you need to apply in order to start studying next trimester.
- Some courses and programmes admit a limited number of students. Limited entry may be based on student numbers, or other selection criteria.
3. Check fees and costs
- It’s free to apply, but your fees and other costs need to be paid before you start studying.
4. Apply online
- Submit your application through the Online Enrolment System.
- You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.
- You’ll also need to know what you want to study—your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take. Use our tools and resources to help you choose your courses.
5. Send your documentation
- You’ll need to send us some documentation to complete your enrolment.
- We’ll need a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport, and there might be other documents we need to see to complete your enrolment.
Degree requirements
For this degree you’ll need to:
Complete at least 360 points, of which:
At least 240 points must be from courses listed for the BA
At least 80 points must be from 100-level courses listed for the BA
A maximum of 180 points can be at 100 level and
At least 180 points must be at 200 and 300 level
at least 75 must be from 300-level courses listed for the BA
Of the 75 points, up to 15 may come from courses listed for another degree when they are taken to satisfy the requirements of an additional major subject from another degree
Satisfy the requirements for at least one major subject
300-level courses may only be counted towards one major (see below)
If your major subject is in Part A (the first section of drop down list of majors in the selector below) you may elect to do a second major. In this case:
The second major may be chosen from the BA or any other first degree at this university and
A maximum of 120 points may be credited to the BA from courses listed for the second major if it is not listed (in the drop down below) when included as a major for a BA
If your major subject is in Part B (the second section of drop down list of majors in the selector below e.g. Psychology), then:
You may only do a second major if it is selected from Part A and
At least 180 points must come from courses listed for the BA (rather than 240 if the major is not listed in Part B)
Important information
Each subject has specific courses you need to take to meet the requirements of a major and involves in-depth study to 300 level.
You can only count 300-level courses towards one major or minor.
You can do a BA double major by completing the major requirements for two subjects. Your degree certificate will say ‘Bachelor of Arts in X and Y’.
You may also select up to two minors in undergraduate subject areas offered by the University for these degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design Innovation, Bachelor of Health, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Science. These subjects may come from the major or additional minor subject areas listed in these degree statutes. A minor is made up of at least 60 points from the relevant subject area at 200 level or above, of which at least 15 points must be at 300 level and not counted towards a major or another minor.
Minor-only subjects in the BA include Creative Writing, Gender and Sexuality Studies, New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), Popular Music Studies, and Social Policy.
Make sure you check what the prerequisites are for all 200- and 300-level courses you are planning to do in your degree. Ensure your choices will cover those requirements.
For more programme details and requirements, see the University Calendar. It’s an annual publication and an authoritative source for planning your degree.
Key dates
- 2021, Trimester 1: Apply by 20 Jan 2021 to start studying 22 Feb 2021
- 2020, Trimester 3: Apply by 27 Oct 2020 to start studying 9 Nov 2020
- 2021, Trimester 2: Apply by 15 Jun 2021 to start studying 6 Jul 2021
- 2021, Trimester 3: Apply by 27 Oct 2021 to start studying 9 Nov 2021