The BA gives you the freedom to follow your interests and study the subjects you love. You can choose from a wide range of study possibilities that cater for many different interests or career goals.
Your BA study can develop the knowledge and skills you need to future-proof your career. Capabilities such as communication and creative thinking will keep your options open for different opportunities in the fast-changing world of work. You can further extend your skill set for future careers through one or two of our optional, theme-based modules.
Your double major will give your degree a strong focus and deepen your knowledge and skills. You have the flexibility to explore different subjects before you choose your two majors.
You can also study two different fields by combining a BA with another degree as
part of a conjoint programme.
Programme structure
The BA takes three years to complete if you are studying full time.
You will choose two BA subjects as your two majors (your “double major”). You will take eight courses (120 points) in each major. This includes at least three courses (45 points) at Stage III in each major.
If you would like to study Communication you can either choose it as one of your two majors, or complete our sixteen-course (240-point) specialisation in Communication.
At least half your courses (12 courses or 180 points) must be above Stage I level. The courses for your majors are included in this total.
As well as your majors, you will take elective courses in other subjects. You must study at least three BA subjects (including your majors).
You can choose to take one or two optional modules instead of elective courses. A module is a group of three courses (45 points) that focuses on a specific skill or area of knowledge to benefit or inform future careers.
You will complete two General Education courses. You can also include up to two courses (30 points) from other degree programmes.
In your first year you will probably take eight courses: four in semester one and four in semester two. A typical pattern would be to take two courses in each of three BA subjects, choose one course in a fourth BA subject, and take a General Education course. This gives you an opportunity to explore your interests and discover your strengths.
Towards the end of your first year, you will choose your two majors. In later years you will concentrate on these subjects.
Bachelor of Arts degree planner (PDF)
Majors available in this programme
- Academic English Studies and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Asian Studies
- Chinese
- Classical Studies and Ancient History
- Communication (Major)
- Communication (Specialisation)
- Criminology
- Drama
- Economics
- Education
- Employment Relations and Organisation Studies
- English
- European Studies
- French
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- German
- Greek
- History
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Logic and Computation
- Mathematics
- Media, Film and Television
- Music
- Māori Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- TESOL
- Theological and Religious Studies
Additional subjects
You can also take elective courses in:
- Academic English Studies
- Biological Sciences
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Science
- Cook Islands Māori
- English Writing
- Humanities
- Physics
- Russian
- Samoan
- Tongan
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
Summer School 2021
1 December 2020
Semester One 2021
8 December 2020
Semester Two 2021
4 July 2021
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Summer School | Starts – 6 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 19 February | |
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 27 July |
| Ends – 22 November |
| Summer School | Starts – 6 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 17 February | |
| Semester One | Starts – 1 March |
| Ends – 28 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 19 July |
| Ends – 15 November |
Where could this programme take you?
Your BA study will help you develop strong capabilities for many careers: communication skills; creative and critical thinking; the ability to research, analyse and evaluate information; problem-solving; adaptability; and an awareness of different perspectives. These enduring capabilities are increasingly valued by employers. You’ll be well-positioned to pursue new career opportunities as the world of work changes.
Jobs related to this programme
- Business Development Co-ordinator
- Communications Specialist
- Digital Product and Content Manager
- English Language Teacher
- Research, Evaluation and Policy Lead
- Sales and Marketing Executive
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 150
- Qualification CIE Cambridge International Examinations Score required 150
- Qualification IB International Baccalaureate Score required 26
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.
Guaranteed grade requirements
These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.
- Grade required GPA Grade Point Average 2.4
- Grade required GPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4
Further requirements
You must have completed one semester of successful bachelor 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.
Transfer of Credit – You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.
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 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.
- 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.
- If your rank score is below our guaranted admission level and you’re not eligible for the Targeted Admission Scheme, you could qualify for Conditional Admission.