Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2026 Semester One – 2 March
2027 Semester One – 1 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

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

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