Programme overview
As designers, it is important to understand how potential design solutions could have both a positive and negative impact on the world around us. Designers consider the cultural, ethical and political implications of emerging technologies and human experience during all phases of development.
A BA/BDes conjoint gives you the opportunity to collaborate and broaden your access to materials and technologies for creative experimentation and strategies for analysing aspects of people and culture that interest you.
Programme structure
The BA/BDes usually takes four years to complete.
You will need to complete 540 points, consisting of:
- 255 points from BA courses
- 255 points from BDes courses:
- 165 points from BDes core courses
- 90 points from BDes elective courses
- 15 points Waipapa Taumata Rau core course
- 15 points from General Education
You can choose up to two subjects as your major(s) for the BA component of your conjoint, and would normally take four or five BA courses each year. You can also choose to take up to two modules. To find out more about structuring the BA side of your study, see Planning your BA conjoint.
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.
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.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Subjects available in this programme
- Academic English Studies and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Asian Studies
- Chinese
- Classical Studies and Ancient History
- Communication
- Criminology
- Design
- Drama
- Economics
- Education
- Employment Relations and Organisation Studies
- English
- European Studies
- French
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- German
- History
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Logic and Computation
- Mathematics
- Media and Screen Studies
- Music
- Māori Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Psychology
- Social and Cultural Research
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- TESOL
- Theological and Religious Studies
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
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QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required230
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QualificationIB International BaccalaureateScore required28
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 required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
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QualificationGCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced LevelScore requiredBBCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
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 required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
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 Arts / Bachelor of Design Conjoint cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,871.10*
- International students
- NZ$50,714*
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 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
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Ends – 24 June |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
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Ends – 30 June |
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.
Where could this programme take you?
The future of work is changing, and the skills and knowledge developed in a BA/BDes will equip you to be proactive rather than responsive. The combination of creative problem solving and socio-cultural understanding will make you a valuable contributor to organisations dedicated to customer experience and interaction.
Jobs related to this programme
- Business development manager
- Communications specialist
- Design strategist
- Experience designer
- Interface designer
- Product designer
- Research, evaluation and policy lead
- 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