Auckland University Of Technology Bachelor of Global Studies

The Bachelor of Global Studies will shape you as an informed citizen who can make a difference in our increasingly globalised world.



This interdisciplinary programme will expand your mind as you are exposed to new ways of thinking about the world. As you gain competency in another language you’ll deepen your understanding of other cultures and perspectives.

You will develop skills for employment, such as leadership, teamwork, public speaking, critical thinking, research and intercultural communication.

Programme structure

The Bachelor of Global Studies is a cross-faculty degree that draws on the combined expertise of the faculties of Arts, Business, Creative Arts and Industries, Engineering, Law and Science.

You will choose from one of four majors when you start the programme:

  • Global Environment and Sustainable Development
  • Global Politics and Human Rights
  • International Relations and Business
  • Transnational Cultures and Creative Practice

You will supplement your major with core courses in Global Studies, courses in a language, area studies in a region related to your chosen language, elective courses, and General Education.

You will have many opportunities to develop skills and experience through internships, workshops and research projects. We encourage you to spend time overseas during your study.

The broad structure of the programme is:

  • Three core courses: GLOBAL 100, GLOBAL 200, GLOBAL 300 (45 points)
  • Ten courses in your chosen major (150 points)
  • Four courses in a language (60 points)
  • Three courses in area studies (45 points)
  • Two General Education courses (30 points)
  • Two elective courses (30 points)

Where could this programme take you?

A Bachelor of Global Studies will prepare you for a range of exciting careers. With your combination of skills and your global knowledge, you will be well-prepared to make a difference in a variety of fields. You might go on to work in politics and government, the environmental sector, international development, foreign affairs, trade, defence or the arts.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Arts administrator
  • Business consultant
  • Diplomat
  • Foreign correspondent
  • Human rights advocate
  • Intelligence officer
  • International trade consultant
  • Policy analyst

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 Minimum of 16 credits in each of three subjects from the NCEA approved subject list. Study of an additional language is encouraged. 
  • QualificationCIECambridge International ExaminationsScore required230 Study of an additional language is encouraged. 
  • QualificationIBInternational BaccalaureateScore required28 Study of an additional language is encouraged. 

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 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 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