Our unique educational experience
We’re evolving your education. Here’s what you can look forward to when studying with us.
In 2025, we’re introducing some exciting changes that will begin to transform how you will learn while you study here at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland.
In these times of rapid global change, we know students will face a variety of challenges calling on you to think creatively, work collaboratively and understand different knowledge systems to ensure you are prepared for the world’s uncertain future.
To help you realise your goals in your study and beyond, the University puts students at the heart of education, ensuring you gain practical, real-world skills, and igniting a passion for academic and lifelong learning that lasts well beyond your time with us.
We understand that everyone is different, and no two individuals’ needs are quite the same. Our educational experience celebrates this uniqueness by ensuring you can learn in a safe space that enables you to build relationships and connect with others at Uni, in Aotearoa, and overseas.
Our Taumata – aspirational principles that guide our educational approach
- Embracing Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and accountabilities and mātauranga Māori and kaupapa Māori ways of teaching.
- Striving for academic excellence through idea development and sharing.
- Putting research at the heart of our teaching.
- Fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating diversity.
- Making education accessible and equitable for all.
- Supporting various programmes tailored to your needs and life stage
- Enriching and expanding your knowledge and encouraging collaboration.
- Sustainability and sharing knowledge for a positive impact.
What does this mean for you as a student and your degree?
A new Waipapa Taumata Rau 15-point course (programme requirement)
From 2025, the structure of undergraduate degrees will begin to change.
All first-year undergraduate students will take a Waipapa Taumata Rau course. Each faculty-based Waipapa Taumata Rau course focuses on understanding core knowledge relevant to that faculty, the significance of place-based knowledge, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Students will develop foundational critical and ethical thinking, communication, and collaborative skills essential for success in their undergraduate study.
Transdisciplinary Learning opportunities
As part of the University’s commitment to providing transdisciplinary learning opportunities, students from 2025 will be able to take a Transdisciplinary Futures course in their undergraduate degree.
Transdisciplinary learning focuses on the development of the skills and mindsets needed to respond to complex problems. It works on the idea that complex issues can be solved if worked on collectively through collaboration, discussions and co-design.
Transdisciplinary skills are increasingly recognised as essential to the workplace as well as to your learning. The world is changing rapidly, and there’s never been a better time to look at global changes and the challenges they bring.
Transdisciplinary Futures courses bring together students from across the University, and staff from diverse backgrounds, to collaborate and work collectively to explore alternatives for a better future.
In Semester Two, 2025 six transdisciplinary courses will be available as part of the General Education schedule. These are:
Preparing you for your career and your future
Our Graduate Profile outlines the capabilities you will have when you finish your studies, and how we will prepare you for your future lives and careers.
We have ambitious aspirations for our students. These are embodied by our Māori name, Waipapa Taumata Rau. Gifted to the University by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, te ahi kā of Tāmaki Makaurau, this name signals a call to excellence in scholarship and the pursuit of knowledge, sustainability, relevance, fairness and a positive impact in all we do.
While you’re with us, you will have the opportunity to thrive as Pūmātauranga | Scholars, Aronga Raraupori | Global Citizens, Kiriauaha | Innovators and Kaiarataki | Leaders. These opportunities are embedded within your degree programmes and wider experiences at University.
Our degree programmes also actively support future career and civic engagement, by providing learning opportunities with industry employers and the wider community. These learning opportunities connect your areas of study at University with your future academic, work or community aspirations.
Learn more about the Graduate Profile