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

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Social Justice Studies will equip you with the knowledge and skills to critically understand and address a range of pressing social issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.

Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mauri ora (wellbeing), the programme will equip you with the skills to contribute to the achievement of social justice through policy, community work and advocacy in experimental learning opportunities like internships, community-based research projects and service learning.

This is a double-major degree. Choose two out of three unique majors:

  • Community Action and Change-Making
    Focusses on mahi tahi (partnership) and whanaungatanga (relationship-building) to foster the mauri ora (wellbeing) of local communities in Aotearoa and beyond.
  • Intergenerational Justice and Sustainable Futures
    Focusses on an intergenerational approach to social and environmental justice in Aotearoa and beyond.
  • Global Justice, Belonging and Responsibility
    Focusses on how contemporary challenges such as climate change, neocolonialism, transnational capitalism and forced migration impact on our sense of belonging in and responsibility for the mauri ora (wellbeing) of Aotearoa and beyond.

Learn more, view and download the flyer here.

Students can also choose to enrol in the Mātauranga Māori specialisation.

The Mātauranga Māori specialisation examines concepts of social justice
through a mātauranga lens and will include:

  • Two courses each year that will focus on written and spoken te reo Māori, allowing you to develop a high level of proficiency.
  • Developing knowledge and skills to work with iwi/hapū, in Māori and Indigenous education, in public service, social services and entrepreneurship.
  • Subjects including Rethinking Oceania Connections, Rangatahi-led Political Action and Amplifying Indigenous Voices.

Learn more, view and download the flyer here.

Programme structure

This programme has a core of seven courses (SOCJUS 101, 102, 103, 201, 202, 301 and 399) to be taken sequentially, plus two core courses (SOCIOL 100, 103) to be taken in the first year. Each major has two required courses and three electives.

Students may enrol either full-time (3 years) or part-time.

Requirements:

  • EDUCSW 199 (required 0-point course)
  • 105 points: SOCJUS 101, 102, 103, 201, 301, 399
  • 15 points: WTR 100 (to be completed in your first year)
  • 30 points: SOCIOL 100, 103
  • 15 points: transdisciplinary course
  • 150 points: two majors of 75 points each from the Bachelor of Social Justice Studies schedule
  • A further 45 points from courses in this programme or other programmes at this university

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

Please note: this is a sample structure only using Community Action and Change-making (Major 1) and Global Justice, Belonging and Responsibility (Major 2) as examples. The 3rd major option (Intergenerational Justice and Sustainable Futures) has its own required core courses.

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    WTR 100
    Name:
    Waipapa Taumata Rau
    Type:
    Core taught
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TD
    Name:
    Transdisciplinary course
    Type:
    Core taught
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    Free
    Name:
    Free choice
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 101
    Name:
    Social Justice in Aotearoa
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 102
    Name:
    Ko wai Au; Ko wai Tātou?
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCIOL 100
    Name:
    Issues and Themes in Sociology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 103
    Name:
    Rethinking Oceania Connections
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCIOL 103
    Name:
    Aotearoa New Zealand Social Policy and Social Justice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Name:
    Major 1 Elective
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 211 (Major 1 required course)
    Name:
    Engaging with Communities
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    Free
    Name:
    Free choice
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 201
    Name:
    Social Justice Movements
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 202
    Name:
    Tools for change
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCIOL 210 (Major 2 required course)
    Name:
    Colonisation, Globalisation and Social Justice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Major 2 Elective
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    Free
    Name:
    Free choice
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 3 120 points

  • Name:
    Major 1 Elective
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Major 1 Elective
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 311 (Major 1 required course)
    Name:
    Change-making in Communities
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 301
    Name:
    Structural (In)justice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 399
    Name:
    Capstone: Design for Change
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    SOCJUS 331 (Major 2 required course)
    Name:
    Just Global Futures
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Major 2 Elective
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Name:
    Major 2 Elective
    Type:
    Elective 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
    150
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    26

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.

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:

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/GCE A Level Cambridge International/General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level
    Score required
    CCC
    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
    Score required
    26
    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 Social Justice Studies cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,185.60*
International students
NZ$38,568*

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 $3,196.80 for full-time study (360 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.

Where could this programme take you?

You will graduate with a strong understanding of the root causes of social injustice and strategies to address them. You will be well positioned for postgraduate study and to contribute to social justice at work or in the community in a range of fields like social work, education, community development, law, business, politics and activism.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Social worker
  • Policy maker
  • Politician
  • Teacher
  • Community development worker
  • NGO worker
  • Community leader

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
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513