Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
360
Programme type
Undergraduate
Conjoint options available

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Global Studies is designed to help you make a difference by applying your knowledge to the big issues of our increasingly globalised world.

You will be exposed to new ways of thinking about the world. You will gain an in-depth understanding of contemporary issues and challenge your assumptions about how the world works.

As you gain competency in another language you’ll deepen your understanding of other cultures and perspectives.

You will develop skills for future careers that demand leadership, teamwork, public speaking, critical thinking, research and intercultural communication.

Programme structure

The Bachelor of Global Studies is a cross-faculty degree that draws on the combined expertise of the faculties of Arts, Business, Creative Arts and Industries, Engineering, Law and Science.

You will choose from one of four majors when you start the programme:

You will supplement your major with core courses in Global Studies, courses in a language, area studies in a region related to your chosen language, elective courses, a Waipapa Taumata Rau course, and General Education.

You will have many opportunities to develop skills and experience through internships, workshops and research projects. We encourage you to spend time overseas during your study.

The broad structure of the programme is:

  • Three core courses: GLOBAL 102, GLOBAL 200, GLOBAL 300 (45 points)
  • Ten courses in your chosen major (150 points)
  • Four courses in a language (60 points)
  • Three courses in area studies (45 points)
  • Two elective courses (30 points)
  • One General Education course (15 points)
  • One Waipapa Taumata Rau core course (15 points)

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.

Sample programme structure

Year one 120 points

  • Code:
    GLOBAL 102
    Name:
    Introduction to Global Studies
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Waipapa Taumata Rau
    Type:
    Core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year two 120 points

  • Code:
    GLOBAL 200
    Name:
    Global Challenges
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    Area studies course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage II course
    Type:
    Area studies course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year three 120 points

  • Code:
    GLOBAL 300
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    As required for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage III course
    Type:
    Area studies course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Any stage
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Elective course
    Type:
    Any stage
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Stage I course
    Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Sample programme structure

An example of how to structure the degree using Global Politics and Human Rights as a major, Spanish as a language and Latin America as an area study.

Year one 120 points

  • Code:
    GLOBAL 102
    Name:
    Introduction to Global Studies
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POLITICS 106
    Name:
    Global Politics
    Type:
    Stage I course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    PHIL 102
    Name:
    Introduction to Ethics
    Type:
    Stage I course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    HISTORY 103
    Name:
    Global History
    Type:
    Stage I course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    GLOBAL 101
    Name:
    Global Issues, Sustainable Futures
    Type:
    Stage I course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SPANISH 104
    Name:
    Beginners' Spanish 1
    Type:
    Stage I language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SPANISH 105
    Name:
    Beginners' Spanish 2
    Type:
    Stage I language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    MĀORI 130G
    Name:
    Te Ao Māori: The Māori World
    Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year two 120 points

  • Code:
    GLOBAL 200
    Name:
    Global Challenges
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POLITICS 201
    Name:
    Globalisation and International Organisations
    Type:
    Stage II course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POLITICS 214
    Name:
    Democracy in Theory and Practice
    Type:
    Stage II course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    PHIL 205
    Name:
    Community, Society and Rights
    Type:
    Stage II course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SPANISH 200
    Name:
    Intermediate Spanish 1
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SPANISH 201
    Name:
    Intermediate Spanish 2
    Type:
    Language course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    LATINAM 201
    Name:
    Latin American History and Culture Through Film
    Type:
    Area studies course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    LATINAM 216
    Name:
    Music, Politics and Social Change
    Type:
    Area studies course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year three 120 points

  • Code:
    GLOBAL 300
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    PHIL 310
    Name:
    Political Philosophy 3
    Type:
    Stage III course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    POLITICS 320
    Name:
    Social Justice
    Type:
    Stage III course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    LAWPUBL 402
    Name:
    International Law
    Type:
    Stage III course for major
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    LATINAM 325
    Name:
    First Nations in Latin America
    Type:
    Area studies course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCIOL 210
    Name:
    Colonisation, Globalisation and Social Justice
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SPANISH 323
    Name:
    Spanish Translation Practice
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    ECON 151G
    Name:
    Understanding the Global Economy
    Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

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
    180

    Minimum of 16 credits in each of three subjects from the NCEA approved subject list. Study of an additional language is encouraged. 

  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    190

    Study of an additional language is encouraged. 

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    27

    Study of an additional language is encouraged. 

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Further requirements

We recognise the significant disruption caused by Covid-19 on New Zealand secondary school students. While the advised rank score and subject requirements still guarantee entry in the Bachelor of Global Studies other applications will be considered, subject to places being available.

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, 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:

  • If you have no formal University Entrance qualification and will be over 20 years of age on the day you hope to begin your programme, you may qualify for Special Admission.

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.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    28
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education
    Score required
    BBC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0.

    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:

  • If you have no formal University Entrance qualification and will be over 20 years of age on the day you hope to begin your programme, you may quailify for Special Admission.
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 Global Studies cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,857.60*
International students
NZ$49,666*

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.

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

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.

The Bachelor of Global Studies consists of core courses, a major, language, area studies, General Education, and elective courses. You will need to plan carefully to make sure that you complete all of these elements.

Here's how to structure your stand-alone degree: 

Year one

Core course
You must take the Stage I core course GLOBAL 102: Introduction to Global Studies (formerly Global 100). 

Courses for your major
In your first year you should take a total of four Stage I courses for your chosen major. Pay particular attention to the courses that your major must include. You will need to check the semester in which your preferred courses are taught in order to plan successfully. You can find the courses available for your major in the BGlobalSt schedule. Take courses that your major must include first. 

Language and Area Studies
Learning an additional language and studying a region where your chosen language is spoken are essential components of the Bachelor of Global Studies. By learning another language you can expand your world view and, by removing barriers to communication, open yourself up to endless new possibilities.

Language study is sequential. You need to complete four language courses in two consecutive years during the course of your degree. You should begin your language study in year one and plan to take two language courses in your first year if possible. You can find the language courses available to you in the BGlobalSt schedule. For Asian and European languages you need to complete a Language Ability Declaration and enrol in one of the beginner level courses listed in the first instance. You will be placed in a class appropriate to your level. Find out more about first time enrolment in language courses.

Waipapa Taumata Rau and General Education

New students studying an undergraduate degree with us in 2025 will need to complete the Waipapa Taumata Rau course in your first year, as well as a General Education course. You can choose courses from the Open, Arts, and Business and Economics Schedules. Browse the General Education schedules.

Note: A student is exempted from the 15 points of General Education (but must complete the Waipapa Taumata Rau course) if they enrol in and complete one or two semesters of 45 points of study or more on a student exchange programme.

Year two

Core course
You must take the Stage II core course: GLOBAL 200.

Courses for your major
Choose three courses at Stage II from the course listings for your major, paying attention to the prerequisites for the stage III courses that you plan to take in year three. You can find the courses that you need to complete for your major in the BGlobalSt schedule.

Language courses
Complete two further language courses. You are also strongly encouraged to take advantage of opportunities for study or experiential learning overseas.

Area studies
Complete two area studies courses related to your chosen language from the course listings for your regional area. Three courses are required to complete this component, one of which must be at Stage III. You can find the area studies courses available to you in the BGlobalSt schedule.

Year three

Core course
You must take the Stage III core course GLOBAL 300.

Courses for your major
Choose three courses at Stage III from the course listings for your major. You can find the courses that you need to complete for your major in the BGlobalSt schedule.

Area studies
Choose one Stage III course from the course listings for your regional area.

Elective courses
You can undertake 30 points of elective study in any subject. Choose two courses either from the courses available for your major or from elsewhere that enhance a component of your degree.

General Education
Complete your second General Education course.

Degree planner

Bachelor of Global Studies degree planner (PDF)

Variations

Variations to this structure are possible but require the approval of the programme director. If you need help at any time, please contact Global Studies Student and Programme Adviser, Dr Svetlana Kostrynkina (s.kostrykina@auckland.ac.nz) or book an appointment.

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?

A Bachelor of Global Studies will prepare you for a range of exciting careers. With your combination of skills and your global knowledge, you will be well-prepared to make a difference in a variety of fields. You might go on to work in politics and government, the environmental sector, international development, foreign affairs, trade, defence or the arts.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Arts administrator
  • Business consultant
  • Diplomat
  • Foreign correspondent
  • Human rights advocate
  • Intelligence officer
  • International trade consultant
  • Policy analyst

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.

Experience the University

What is Global Studies?

Dr Callie Vandewiele and Dr Lana Kostrykina discuss how the Bachelor of Global Studies helps students navigate our world's increasingly complex issues.

Do you need help?

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