Duration
Full-time: 4 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
540
Programme type
Undergraduate
Conjoint options available

Programme overview

In this programme, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you in both your Arts and Fine Arts courses.

Creative thinkers and makers consider cultural, social, environmental, ethical and political concepts and find compelling ways to share these ideas with their audience. The wide range of subjects available in the Bachelor of Arts means you can focus your studies on the aspects of society, people and culture that interest you.

In your Fine Arts component at Elam School of Fine Arts, you will study contemporary art and pursue your choice from a range of art media and practices, including ceramics, photography, installation, performance art, print, moving image, digital media, sound art and more.

This conjoint will deepen your knowledge of society, people and culture and enhance your critical thinking and communication skills. Using the skills and knowledge gained from combining these degrees will bring out the best in you and improve your career options.

Browse contemporary art projects by our Fine Arts students.

Programme structure

The BA/BFA usually takes four years to complete.

You will need to complete 540 points, consisting of:

  • 255 points from BA courses
  • 255 points from BFA 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 Fine Arts component, alongside foundation technologies, critical studies and studio practice, you will develop and refine your artistic practice by choosing from a wide range of elective courses that suit your developing interests.

In your final year, you will complete a capstone contemporary art project and associated research essay.

You would usually 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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 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.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  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.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    210
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    230
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    28

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.

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. For more information, please see External transfer of credit.

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.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

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.

Guaranteed grade, subject and other 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.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    28
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level
    Score required
    BBC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5

    See alternative English language requirements

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. 

See information about prior tertiary study 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.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Fine Arts Conjoint cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,710.20 – $9,324.45*
International students
NZ$48,186 – $51,571*

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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The world of work is changing rapidly. Employers in all fields are looking for staff who can keep up and forge ahead. Your BA/BFA study will prepare you for many careers by helping you develop capabilities valued in any professional role. You will graduate with expertise in advanced communication, critical and creative thinking, the ability to research and evaluate information, to analyse problems and seek solutions and with an insightful awareness of different perspectives. Further, you will enter the job market well-positioned to pursue new opportunities opened up by developments in society, technology and the creative industries.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Account manager
  • Arts administrator
  • Art writer or critic
  • Communications specialist
  • Creative director
  • Curator
  • Digital content specialist
  • Sales and marketing executive

Further study options

See all study options

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.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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Experience the University

Meet Caleb Sampson

Caleb moved from Hamilton to Auckland to study for a BA/BFA because of the breadth of courses available at the University of Auckland.

Meet more students

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923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513