Duration
Full-time: 5 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2021 Semester One – 1 March
2022 Semester One – 28 February
Available locations
City
Points
675
Programme type
Undergraduate
Conjoint options available

Programme overview

You can choose from a wide range of subjects in the humanities, social sciences, cultures and languages while you nurture your talent as a creative.

We’ll challenge you to think critically and creatively in our unique interdisciplinary studio environment and develop the skills that are essential for you to adapt and thrive in a fast-changing, globalised economy.

You will be able to use your knowledge and skills in many different careers and employment settings.

Changes to the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme are currently in the formal approval process. These changes include more conjoint options, different entry requirements and other programme updates. Please note therefore that the details here relate to the current programme and are subject to change. Check this page in early September 2020 to learn about the updates to the programme.

Programme structure

The BA/BFA usually takes five years to complete.

You will need to complete a total of 675 points, consisting of:

  • 255 points from BA courses
  • 390 points from BFA courses
  • 15 points from General Education
  • 15 points from courses available for any programme

You can choose up to two subjects as your major(s) for the BA component of your conjoint, and would normally take four or five BA courses each year. You can also choose to take up to two modules. 

Your BFA courses are prescribed and arranged specifically each year.

You would usually enrol in nine 15-point courses (135 points) each year if you want to complete in five years. You need to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.5 each year to continue with your conjoint.

Changes to the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme are currently in the formal approval process. These include more conjoint options, changes to entry requirements and other programme updates. Please note therefore that the details here relate to the current programme and are subject to change. Check this page in early September 2020 to learn about the updates to the programme.

BA/BFA(Hons)

If you complete Part III of the BFA side of your BA/BFA conjoint with an average grade of B or higher, you are eligible to apply for entry into the BA/BFA(Hons) for Part IV.

Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.

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.

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2020 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
    210
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    230
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    28

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Further requirements

All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work and a one-page written statement.

Selection into the BA/BFA programme will be based on the combined strength of your portfolio and written statement.

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.

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

Further requirements

You must have completed one semester of successful bachelor 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.

All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work and one-page written statement.

Selection into the BA/BFA programme will be based on the combined strength of your portfolio and a written statement.

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. 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

Other pathways to study

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

My highest qualification is from this country:

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 with at least an ABB grade. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). For entry based on CIE you must first meet the University Entrance (UE) standard. 

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.

Minimum grade, subject and other requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme. Your CIE score (rank score) will be calculated based on your AS and A Level results.

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level
    Score required
    BBC
    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 Diploma
    Score required
    28
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    CIE University of Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    230
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5

    See alternative English language requirements

Further requirements

All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work and one-page written statement.

Selection into the BA/BFA programme will be based on the combined strength of your portfolio and written statement.

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:

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.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

Further requirements

All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative work and one-page written statement.

Selection into the BA/BFA programme will be based on the combined strength of your portfolio and written statement.

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 Arts / Bachelor of Fine Arts Conjoint cost per year?

2020 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,022.70 – $8,100*
International students
NZ$40,991 – $46,313*

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 $7.86 per point, estimated at $1,061.10 for full-time study (135 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

Application closing dates for 2021 will be updated in August. 

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.

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?

Your BA/BFA study will prepare you for many careers by helping you develop strong capabilities, including advanced communication skills, critical and creative thinking, the ability to research and evaluate information, the ability to analyse problems and seek solutions, adaptability, and an awareness of different perspectives. You’ll be well-positioned to pursue new opportunities opened up by developments in society, technology and the contemporary art industry.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Account manager
  • Art writer or critic
  • Arts administrator
  • Communications specialist
  • Creative director
  • Curator
  • Digital content specialist
  • Sales and marketing executive

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

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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Experience the University

Meet Caleb Sampson

Caleb moved from Hamilton to Auckland to study for a BA/BFA because of the breadth of courses available at the University of Auckland.

Meet more students

Do you need help?

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Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

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Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513