Programme overview
New and emerging technologies have brought the world closer together. Cultural, ethical and political implications of emerging products, services and technologies need to be considered during all phases of development. The BDes/BGlobalSt conjoint will expand your approach to design solutions and the way they can be implemented around the world.
While exploring cultural interactions, learning a language and engaging with global politics, you will discover how design and prototyping benefit from being informed by international contexts.
You will learn how to think critically, build strong intercultural communication skills and develop new ways of thinking about the world. This knowledge will be valuable in any organisation operating internationally.
Programme structure
The BDes/BGlobalSt usually takes four years to complete.
You will need to complete a total of 540 points, consisting of:
- 255 points from BDes courses:
- 165 points BDes core courses
- 90 points from BDes elective courses
- 255 points from BGlobalSt 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.
In your Global Studies component you will choose from one of four majors:
Global Environment and Sustainable Development
Global Politics and Human Rights
International Relations and Business
Transnational Cultures and Creative Practice
You will also take core courses in Global Studies and study a language and a related area of the world. To find out more, see the Bachelor of Global Studies.
You would usually enrol in eight 15-point courses (120 points) each year. If you want to complete in four years, you can enrol in nine 15-point courses (135 points) each year (including Summer School). Enrolling in five courses in a semester is not advisable for Global Studies students. You need to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.5 each year to continue with your conjoint.
Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
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. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
- 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.
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QualificationNCEA National 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.
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QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required230
- Study of an additional language is encouraged.
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QualificationIB International 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.
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Grade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 3.9
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Grade requiredGPE 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.
My highest qualification is from this country or region:
Secondary school qualifications
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
You need to have one of the following:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects.
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.
GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.
Minimum grade, subject and other requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.
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QualificationIB International Baccalaureate DiplomaScore required28QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
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QualificationGCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced LevelScore requiredBBCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
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 if you meet these requirements.
You need to have the following:
One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas.
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 requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 3.9
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
How much does a Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Global Studies Conjoint cost per year?
2024 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,338.95*
- International students
- NZ$53,724*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,198.80 for full-time study (135 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
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 2024
- 8 December 2023
- Semester Two 2024
- 4 July 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
The Bachelor of Global Studies consists of core courses, a major, a language, area studies, General Education, and elective courses. You will need to plan carefully to make sure that you complete all of these elements.
Here is how to structure your conjoint Global Studies degree:
Year one
Core course
You must take the Stage I core course: GLOBAL 102: Introduction to Global Studies (formerly Global 100).
Courses for your major
In your first year you should take up to three Stage I courses for your chosen major. Pay particular attention to the courses that your major must include and take these first, then complete the rest over the second year of your conjoint degree. You will need to check which semester courses are taught in order to plan successfully. You can find the courses available for your major in the BGlobalSt schedule. Take courses that your major must include first.
Beyond your first year
Core courses
To complete your BGlobalSt you need to take the core courses GLOBAL 200 and GLOBAL 300. You need to consider the timing of these courses as there is a relationship between them. The coursework of GLOBAL 200 includes the preparation of a research project proposal. GLOBAL 300 comprises the writing of that research project. GLOBAL 200 should be taken in the second to last year of your conjoint and GLOBAL 300 should be taken in the final year of your conjoint.
Major
To complete your major you need 120 points, with at least 45 points at Stage III. Choose two courses at Stage II from the options listed for your chosen major, paying attention to the prerequisites for your desired Stage III courses.
Note: Bachelor of Global Studies conjoint major summary: three courses at Stage I (45 points), two courses at Stage II (30 points), three courses at Stage III (45 points).
Language
Learning an additional language and studying a region where your chosen language is spoken are essential components of the Bachelor of Global Studies. By learning another language you can expand your world view and, by removing barriers to communication, open yourself up to endless new possibilities.
Language study is sequential. You need to complete 4 language courses in two consecutive years during the course of your degree.
If you are a beginner, you should start your language study at least two years before your final year, and plan to take two language courses per year if possible. If you have prior knowledge, you should continue your language study in year one, if possible.
You can find the language courses available to you in the BGlobalSt schedule. For Asian and European languages you need to complete a Language Proficiency Declaration and enrol in one of the beginner level courses listed in the first instance. You will be placed in a class appropriate to your level. Find out more about first time enrolment in language courses.
Area Study
Area study relates to your chosen language. Two courses are required, one at Stage II and one at Stage III, chosen from the course listings for your chosen area. These are subject to availability. You can find the area studies courses available to you in the BGlobalSt schedule.
General Education
You should take one General Education course at any time during your degree. You can choose courses from the Open, Arts, and Business and Economics Schedules. Browse the General Education schedules.
The rule for General Education courses is that you can only choose subjects that you have not already studied or do not plan to study during the course of your degree. Note: A student is exempted from 15 points of General Education if they enrol in and complete one or two semesters of 45 points of study or more on a student exchange programme.
Elective courses
Some BGlobalSt conjoints allow 15 points of elective study in any subject. Choose a course either from the major listings or from elsewhere that enhances a component of your BGlobalSt degree. You can find out whether any elective courses are available to you in the Conjoint Degrees schedules.
Degree planners
Bachelor of Global Studies and Design conjoint degree planner (PDF)
Variations
Variations to this structure are possible but require the approval of the programme director. If you need help at any time, please contact Global Studies Student and Programme Adviser, Dr Svetlana Kostrykina at s.kostrykina@auckland.ac.nz or Book an Appointment.
Where could this programme take you?
With new technologies come rapid and often unforeseen changes across all industries. Organisations are increasingly turning to employees who are confident and capable of interacting in multicultural contexts. A combination of creative problem solving and socio-cultural understanding will make you a valuable contributor to organisations dedicated to customer experience and interaction as they explore new markets.
Jobs related to this programme
- Business consultant
- Campaign manager
- Community and stakeholder liaison officer
- Design strategist
- Experience designer
- International adviser
- Policy analyst
- Service designer
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.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513