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

Programme overview

The BSc allows you to incorporate different areas of interest and expertise. The programme introduces advanced technologies and provides a gateway to independent research. A conjoint with Fine Arts allows you to combine your scientific specialisation with a choice of media and practices, including ceramics, photography, painting, installation, performance art, print, moving image, digital media, and sound art.

Browse contemporary art projects by our Fine Arts students.

Throughout your undergraduate degree you’ll be taught by knowledgeable scientists and respected Fine Arts academics, many of whom are major contributors in their field.

This conjoint will enhance your scientific research, creativity and critical thinking skills to bring out the best in you and expand your career options.

Programme structure

The BFA/BSc usually takes four years to complete.

You will need to complete 540 points, consisting of:

  • 255 points from BFA courses
  • 255 points from BSc courses
  • 15 points Waipapa Taumata Rau core course
  • 15 points from General Education

In your Fine Arts component you will explore foundation technologies, critical studies and studio practice. You will also 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 Fine Arts project and associated research essay.

For your Science component, enrolment will depend on your majors. You can choose up to two subjects as your major(s) for the BSc.* 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, Biotechnology, 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.

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

  • Anthropological Science
  • Biol Sc - Biochem & Cell Bio
  • Biol Sc - Biotechnology
  • Biol Sc - Ecology
  • Biol Sc - Evolution
  • Biol Sc - Genetics
  • Biol Sc - Marine Biology
  • Biol Sc - Microbiology
  • Biol Sc - Plant Biology
  • Biol Sc - Zoology
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Earth Sciences
  • Environmental Science
  • Exerc Sc - Appl Exe & Sport Sc
  • Exercise Sciences
  • Fine Arts
  • Geographic Information Science
  • Geography
  • Information & Technology Mgmt
  • Logic and Computation
  • Marine Science
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics - Applied
  • Mathematics - Pure
  • Pharmacology
  • Physics
  • Physics - Medical & Imaging
  • Physics - Photonics
  • Physiology
  • Psych - Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Stats - Applied Statistics
  • Stats-Statistics & Probability
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.

Minimum rank score, subject and other requirements

These are the minimum grades required for entry to this programme. These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

  • 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.

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
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    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

  • 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 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

Guaranteed grade 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.

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 Fine Arts / Bachelor of Science Conjoint cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$6,594 – $8,794.80*

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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,247.40 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 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

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?

Employers are looking for dynamic, adaptable and creative graduates with wide skill sets and competencies. The BFA/BSc will provide you with strong practical skills in areas such as digital visualisation and the visual interpretation of complex scientific ideas. You will graduate with the expertise to help you navigate the changing world of work and the potential to be employed as an artist in a scientific field.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Medical/scientific illustrator
  • Anthropologist/Archeologist
  • Conservator
  • Artist
  • Scientific photographer
  • Educator
  • Scientific visualisation specialist
  • Museum curator

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

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923 5025
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0800 61 62 63
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