- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
After graduating with a BA, you can complete a one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) as a qualification in its own right. Alternatively, it can be a pathway to a further year of study in a Master of Arts programme.
The BA(Hons) is an opportunity to extend your understanding of an academic area that you already find intellectually rewarding and personally meaningful. There's also the option of pursuing a subject that's different from your undergraduate major so long as you have the required background.
During your honours year, you can deepen your knowledge in small classes with some of New Zealand’s leading scholars. It's a great opportunity to hone skills that will be an advantage in any career.
Programme structure
- 120 points
- Advanced taught courses (75 or 90 points)
- A small research project such as a dissertation (usually 30 or 45 points)
- You may be able to include up to 30 points from other subjects
- One year full-time or up to two years part-time
- The structure of your programme depends on the subject that you are studying.
- You can find the specific courses that you can take in the BA(Hons) Schedule.
Postgraduate pathway
Download the Arts postgraduate pathway (14KB, PDF)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year one 120 points
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Dissertation
- Type:
- Dissertation
- Points:
- 30 pts
Subjects available in this programme
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Asian Studies
- Chinese
- Classical Studies and Ancient History
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Drama
- Economics
- Education
- Employment Relations and Organisation Studies
- English
- French
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- German
- History
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Media and Screen Studies
- Museums and Cultural Heritage
- Māori Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Screen Production
- Sociology
- Spanish
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme 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.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Arts
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You need to have completed a Bachelor of Arts, including the prerequisites for your intended subject, with a GPA of 5 or higher in 45 points above Stage II in that subject.
Prerequisites are usually a major in your intended subject, but some subjects have more specific requirements. You can find these in the BA(Hons) Schedule.
If you are one course away from completing your BA, you may be able to complete this course during the first semester of your BA(Hons) study.
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 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.
Other pathways to study
If you have a GPA between 3.0 and 5.0, you may wish to consider the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme 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.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0.
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You need to have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in a similar discipline to your intended subject. You will require a GPE of 5.0.
Other pathways to study
If you have a GPE between 3.0 and 5.0 you may wish to consider the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.
How much does a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,860.80 – $10,963.20*
- International students
- NZ$42,828 – $50,322*
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 $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 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
Semester Two admission may not be available for some subjects.
Applications for the Prepatory Clinical Psychology pathway close on 1 November.
Applications for the BA(Hons) in Psychology close on 1 December.
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
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
The BA(Hons) can enhance your career potential by taking your transferable skills and specialist knowledge to the next level. You will develop an advanced understanding in your field, sharpen your analysis of complex information, and formulate robust arguments. The enduring experience of honours-level study can steer you in many different directions as you prepare for the future world of work.
Jobs related to this programme
- Content writer
- Diplomat
- Graduate archaeologist
- Journalist
- Marketing associate
- Policy adviser
Graduate career: Will Matthews
Will Matthews came out of his first New Zealand politics lecture with a new passion and a burning desire to work in New Zealand politics.
Read moreStudent 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.
Experience the University
Postgraduate Week
Our information evenings at Postgraduate Week brought together students and staff to share what postgraduate study in the Faculty of Arts is all about.
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