- Duration
- Full-time: 4 years
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 540
- Programme type
- Undergraduate
Programme overview
The BDes/BSc conjoint focuses on developing practical solutions for the future. We may not know the challenges and possibilities to be brought about by future technologies, but through scientific investigation, prototyping and testing, we can prepare to meet them head-on.
Within the BSc side of the conjoint, you can follow your interests in earth, chemical, computational, human, life, mathematical or physical sciences. The BDes component will encourage inquiry and the testing of outcomes to create appropriate, sustainable solutions for products, services and innovation.
Programme structure
The BDes/BSc usually takes four years to complete.
You will need to complete a total of 540 points, consisting of:
- 255 points from BSc courses
- 255 points from BDes courses:
- 165 points BDes core courses
- 90 points from BDes elective courses
- 15 points Waipapa Taumata Rau core course
- 15 points from General Education
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.
Your Science course enrolment will depend on your majors. You can choose up to two subjects as your major(s) for the BSc component of your conjoint.* Each Science major usually has a range of core and elective courses. In your final year, you will undertake a capstone project where you integrate and apply your learning to a real-world problem in your chosen major or specialisation.
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.
*Anthropological Science, Biomedical Science, Food Science and Nutrition, Information Systems and Medicinal Chemistry are not available as majors within a conjoint.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
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.
- 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
-
QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required230
-
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.
-
Grade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 3.9
-
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 Design / Bachelor of Science Conjoint cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,492.20 – $10,781.10*
- International students
- NZ$50,594 – $62,153*
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 |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| 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.
Subjects available in this programme
Geographic Information Science
Where could this programme take you?
The ability to respond to market trends and stay ahead of competitors sees companies investing heavily in design teams. The viability of solutions and innovations of the future will depend on data and scientific research. In-depth knowledge of scientific disciplines brings a level of authority and widens the potential impact on solutions in business, community, government and health.
Jobs related to this programme
- AR / VR / Mixed reality designer
- Data analyst
- Data visualisation designer
- Information designer
- Innovation manager
- Policy adviser
- Research lead
- Simulation designer
BDes/BSc student Rikka shares why she chose a conjoint degree, her scholarship experience and what her future plans are.
Watch Rikka's videoStudent 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.
Do you need help?
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Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513