BDes/BGlobalSt - Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Global Studies Conjoint

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Schedule/Programme Rules

New and emerging technologies have brought the world closer together. Cultural, ethical and political implications of emerging products, services and technologies need to be considered during all phases of development. The BDes/BGlobalSt conjoint will expand your approach to design solutions and the way they can be implemented around the world.

While exploring cultural interactions, learning a language and engaging with global politics, you will discover how design and prototyping benefit from being informed by international contexts.

You will learn how to think critically, build strong intercultural communication skills and develop new ways of thinking about the world. This knowledge will be valuable in any organisation operating internationally.

For the Global Studies component, you will choose one major from the three options available:

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

The Bachelor of Design will introduce you to design methods, processes and rationale. You will also investigate how design both drives and responds to social needs in contemporary and historic contexts. You can choose to focus on one or two design themes, or you can mix and match courses to suit your experience and developing interests.

We recommend you choose WTRENG 100 - Waipapa Taumata Rau: Engineering and Design in Aotearoa New Zealand as one of your General Education courses.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

With new technologies come rapid and often unforeseen changes across all industries. Organisations are increasingly turning to employees who are confident and capable of interacting in multicultural contexts. A combination of creative problem solving and socio-cultural understanding will make you a valuable contributor to organisations dedicated to customer experience and interaction as they explore new markets.

Business consultant
Campaign manager
Community and stakeholder liaison officer
Design strategist
Experience designer
International adviser
Policy analyst
Service designer

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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Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

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.

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.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2027 Semester One	08 December 2026	01 March 2027	28 June 2027

1 - 1

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

This is a limited entry programme, and the enrolment limits that apply to the stand-alone programmes also apply to this conjoint. In cases where the individual programmes have very different limits, the lower limit applies. For more information, please see the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 in the University Calendar and the related Programme and Course Limitations and selection criteria.

New Zealand Secondary School Qualifications

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard .
You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
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 and Score required

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) - 210
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) - 230
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) - 28

Please see the additional requirements for both degree programmes.

New Zealand Tertiary Qualifications

You can transfer from another NZ tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

You must have completed one semester of successful bachelors 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.

These are the minimum grades required to be considered for 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.

3.9 - Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculate your Grade Point Average

3.9 - Grade Point Equivalent (GPE) Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent

Please see the additional requirements for both degree programmes.

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

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.5 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

International Secondary School Qualification

If your qualification is not in the table below, you will need to have one of the following

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) with a minimum total score of 28
General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level with a minimum total score of BBC
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) with a minimum total score of BBC

Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included. 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.

Please note:

We do not offer direct entry from secondary school in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, or United Arab Emirates. Foundation or tertiary qualifications are required. See foundation programmes for international students or prior tertiary qualifications requirement below.

All other countries/qualifications will be assessed on application.

Please see the additional requirements for both degree programmes.

Country	Qualification	Grade	Notes

			<p>You must have completed a minimum of <strong>three A-level subjects</strong>. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.</p><p>This covers GCE and Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level subjects from: Edexcel, AQA, OCR, CCEA, WJEC, Cambridge International and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB). Scores are calculated on the best three academic subjects. General Studies cannot be included. Only H2 Level academic subjects are considered for GCE A Level taken in Singapore. </p>


			<p><strong>Ontario Secondary School Diploma</strong> (OSSD) or a High School Diploma equivalent which includes university preparatory courses and English. A minimum overall average of 65 percent is required; grading systems vary from province to province.</p><p><strong>Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel</strong> (CEGEP – Quebec General and Vocational College) with at least 60 percent across 6 subjects including English, taken in the first year of the CEGEP programme.</p><p>Completion of a Canadian Secondary School Diploma is required. All applicants must achieve an overall average score (listed in the table) based on their academic Year 12 courses. For the Ontario Secondary School Diploma this is the best six Grade 12 University Preparation (4U), College Preparation (4C), or University/College Preparation (4M) courses including grade 12 English-intensive subjects including Biology, Classical Studies, Economics, English Language (must be 4C, 4M or 4U English if Ontario), English Literature, History, History of Art, Geography. For all other provinces’ High School Diploma qualifications (excluding Quebec) admission will be based on the best five academic Grade 12 courses including Grade 12 English or English-intensive subjects, and any other subjects required for the programme. </p>

			<p><strong>Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination</strong> (Fiji Form 7 Examination) with a minimum aggregate score of 250 over four subjects, including 50 percent in English – Fiji Ministry of Education Official Results.</p><p><strong>South Pacific Form Seven Certificate</strong> (SPFSC) with a minimum of three ‘B’ grades, and grade 5 or better in PSSC English and grade 6 or better in PSSC mathematics.</p><p>Aggregate of best four academic subjects (including English). No subject should be below 50%.</p>
			<p><strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Hong Kong Diploma in Secondary Education</strong> (HKDSE) with an aggregate score of at least 15. </p><p>Scores are calculated as an aggregate of 5 subjects from Category A and/ or Category C subjects (Category B subjects are excluded). The 5 subjects must include the 4 Core subjects in Category A and the best elective subject from either Category A or C. The subject level of 1 is equal to 1 point up to 5 points for the level of 5, and 6 for 5* and 5**. If extended Mathematics is taken with Core Mathematics, the scores may be combined and averaged as one score.</p>
			<p>12 years of schooling and an overall average of 75 percent in the <strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">All-India Senior School Certificate</strong> (AISSC),<strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);"> Indian School Certificate</strong> (ISC), <strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal State Board Examinations</strong> with a minimum of 70 percent in English.</p><p>From Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board, Bengaluru and West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education: All applicants must achieve an overall average of 75% with a minimum of 70% in English. The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.</p>
			<p>12 years of schooling and an overall average of 80 percent in <strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">all other Higher Secondary State Board Examinations </strong>with a minimum of 75 percent in English.</p><p>All applicants must achieve an overall average of 80% with a minimum of 75% in English. The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects. Applicable to all other examinations boards.</p>

			<p><strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Unified Examination Certificate</strong> (UEC) with a total score of 20 or less over the five best subjects, including one of advanced mathematics, chemistry or physics.</p><p>Scores are calculated as an aggregate of five scores where a grade of A1 is equal to 1 point up to 8 points for a grade of C8. All applicants must achieve an overall average grade of B4.</p><p>Please see Australia to view ATAR requirements and Canada for OSSD requirements.</p>




			<p>The score is an aggregate of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Mathematic scores in the redesigned SAT Reasoning Test (available from March 2016) or the Critical Reading and Mathematics sores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken prior to March 2016. To be considered for entry, applicants must submit a SAT result and a High School Diploma with transcripts from a United States regionally accredited high school with above average grades.</p><p><strong>American College Testing (ACT)</strong>: is also acceptable and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for entry, applicants must submit the results of their ACT test results and a High School Diploma with transcripts from a United States regionally accredited high school with above average grades. </p>
			<p><strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">General Education Development (GED) Certificate</strong> from an acceptable GED body, plus a minimum Advanced Placement exam (AP) aggregate score of 8 across all AP exams (minimum of 2 exams and a maximum of 4), or an <strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">ACT </strong>composite score of 24, or a minimum <strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">SAT</strong> Reasoning Test result of 1160 (aggregate of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Mathematic scores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken from March 2016 or the Critical Reading and Mathematics scores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken prior to March 2016).</p><p>Scores are calculated as an aggregate across all AP exams (minimum of 2 exams and a maximum of 4). Minimum grade of 3 is required in each exam. Results must be US College Board examined and certified. To be considered for entry, applicants must submit AP exam results and a High School Diploma with transcripts from a United States regionally accredited high school with above average grades.</p>
			<p><strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">High School Diploma</strong> from a USA-based high school, plus a minimum Advanced Placement exam (AP) aggregate score of 8 across all AP exams (minimum of 2 exams and a maximum of 4), or an ACT composite score of 24, or a minimum <strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">SAT </strong>Reasoning Test result of 1160 (aggregate of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Mathematic scores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken from March 2016 or the Critical Reading and Mathematics scores in SAT Reasoning Tests taken prior to March 2016). Please note that a US High School Diploma completed through home schooling, distance correspondence, online, or at a school located outside of the US, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.</p>
			<p>Complete the <strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">National High School Graduation Examination</strong> (Kỳ Thi Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông Quốc Gia) with an overall pass and achieve a minimum GPA of 8.0/10.0 in each of the best four subjects (both mandatory and elective) (excluding National Defence and Security Education) in Grade 12, as indicated on the <strong style="background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">High School report</strong> (Học Bạ Trung Học Phổ Thông).</p>

International Tertiary Institution Qualification

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these minimum requirements.

You will need to have one year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

3.9 - Grade Point Equivalent Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

3.9 - Grade Point Average Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Please see the additional requirements for both degree programmes.

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.

You could be eligible for another programme or check out these alternative pathways:

Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)

A student may substitute one or more other courses for one or more of the Bachelor of Global Studies Schedule courses with the permission of Senate or its representative.