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Overview

Programme Overview

Undergraduate study in Social Justice:

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.

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.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

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

Student career planning services

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

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date

Other Important Dates

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

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Note: The 2026 regulations for this programme are currently under review and subject to change. Please check this page regularly for updates.

Duration and Total Points Value

1 A student enrolled for this degree must follow a programme of the equivalent of six full-time semesters and pass courses with a total value of 360 points, unless credit is granted under the Admission Regulations and/or the Credit Regulations.

Structure and Content

2 Of the 360 points required for this degree, a student must pass courses that satisfy the requirements in the Bachelor of Social Justice Studies Schedule and include at least 120 points above Stage I of which at least 75 points must be above Stage II.



Practical Professional and Practicum Requirements

3 a Results may be deferred for courses with a practical component where a student is unable to complete due to illness, injury or other exceptional circumstances beyond their control.

b Where results are deferred, assessment of a practical component must be undertaken as soon as practicably possible at a time deemed appropriate by the Programme Director.

Variations

4 In exceptional circumstances, the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

5 These regulations came into force on 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 360 points comprising:

  • One of the following:
  • 1 item from English Language Competency Course - 1 Semester, or
  • 2 items from English Language Competency Course - 2 Semesters, and
  • 105 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 15 points for all Waipapa Taumata Rau Course, and
  • One of the following:
  • 195 points for Majors Option, or
  • 195 points for one Specialisation from Specialisation Option, and
  • 45 points from UOFAK - University of Auckland including child orgs at levels 100 to 400 Other Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Selected courses must include at least 120 points at level 200 or higher.

Selected courses must include at least 75 points at level 300 or higher.

English Language Competency Course - 1 Semester

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

English Language Competency Course - 2 Semesters

Complete exactly 2 of the following:

Waipapa Taumata Rau Course

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Majors Option

Complete 195 points comprising:

  • 30 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 15 points from Transdisciplinary Courses, and
  • 150 points for 2 Major from Majors

Compulsory Courses

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Specialisation Option

Complete one Specialisation from the following:

Other Courses

Select 45 credits from University of Auckland at levels 100 to 400.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map