Programme overview
Both Design and Engineering are focused on finding the best solutions for current challenges and potential futures. In the BDes/BE(Hons) conjoint, you can bring the two disciplines together to better prepare yourself to respond to our changing world.
Find your niche in one of nine specialisations within Engineering. Tackle real-world and imagined issues in Design, using digital, material and emerging technologies.
The combination of these two fields gives you a solid foundation in appropriate technologies and sustainable solutions for future realities.
Programme structure
The BDes/BE(Hons) is a five year (10 semester) degree if you are studying full time. You will be required to complete 690 points:
- 420 points from BE(Hons) 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
Your exact programme structure will depend on your chosen specialisation for the BE(Hons) side of your conjoint.
In the BE(Hons), you must complete a common first year of required core courses before selecting your specialisation.
Conjoint planners are available for each Engineering specialisation to ensure that you enrol in the courses required to complete your programme over the subsequent years. As per the requirements for the BE(Hons), you will also have to complete a 40-hour workshop practice course in your second year and 800 hours of practical experience over the course of your degree.
In your BDes 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 need to maintain a Grade Point Average of 4.0 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
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical and Materials Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Design
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering conjoint degrees
- Engineering Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Structural Engineering
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 required275
- 17 external Level 3 credits in Calculus
- 16 external Level 3 credits in Physics
- 17 external Level 3 credits in Calculus
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QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required330
- Mathematics and Physics at A Level
- Mathematics and Physics at A Level
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QualificationIB International BaccalaureateScore required36
- Mathematics and Physics at HL Level
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 5.0
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Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
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 required36
Mathematics and Physics at HL Level
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5No bands less than 6.0
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QualificationGCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced LevelScore requiredABB
Mathematics and Physics
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5No 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 5.0
-
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 Engineering (Honours) Conjoint cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,781.10*
- International students
- NZ$59,762*
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?
Your Engineering specialisation, Design skills and personal interests can impact what you pursue. With technical skills, a creative problem-solving approach and strategic design methods, you’ll easily adapt to the technologically-driven nature of many industries. Many organisations are adding designers to the engineering teams and vice versa to ensure all projects are thoroughly tested, revised and correctly implemented, with full consideration of their socio-cultural impact.
Jobs related to this programme
- Consultant engineer
- Developer
- Experience designer
- Interaction designer
- Prototyping manager
- Research and design engineer
- Simulation designer
- Systems engineer
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