Duration
Full-time: 4 years
Next start date
2027 Semester One – 1 March
2028 Semester One – 28 February
Available locations
City
Points
540
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

The BDes/BSc conjoint focuses on developing practical solutions for the future. We may not know the challenges and possibilities to be brought about by future technologies, but through scientific investigation, prototyping and testing, we can prepare to meet them head-on.

Within the BSc side of the conjoint, you can follow your interests in earth, chemical, computational, human, life, mathematical or physical sciences. The BDes component will encourage inquiry and the testing of outcomes to create appropriate, sustainable solutions for products, services and innovation.

Programme structure

The BDes/BSc usually takes four years to complete.
You will need to complete a total of 540 points, consisting of:

  • 255 points from BSc courses
  • 255 points from BDes courses:
    • 165 points BDes core courses
    • 90 points from BDes elective courses
  • 15 points from a General Education course*
  • 15 points from courses available for any programme at the University

*We recommend you choose the Waipapa Taumata Rau course for either Engineering and Design or Science as one of your General Education courses. 

In your Design component, alongside design foundation courses and studio practice, you will build your own study plan of six elective courses from our four design themes:

  • Design and Local Community Practices
  • Design and Global Challenges
  • Design and Business
  • Design and Emerging Technologies

In your final year, you will undertake a capstone design research project, working from the initial discovery phase right through to testing and implementation.

Your Science course enrolment will depend on your majors. You can choose up to two subjects as your major(s) for the BSc component of your conjoint. Specialisations are not available within a conjoint degree. Each Science major usually has a range of core and elective courses. In your final year, you will undertake a capstone project where you integrate and apply your learning to a real-world problem in your chosen major(s).

You will probably enrol in nine 15-point courses (135 points) each year if you want to complete in four years.

You need to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.5 each year to continue with your conjoint.

For 2027: Students enrolled in a Health major and intending to apply for clinical selection after their first year should speak with a Student Hub adviser. The requirements of a conjoint degree may affect course planning, workload, or eligibility requirements.

Most students need to take one General Education course.

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

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

2027 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.

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 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

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.

Minimum grade, subject and other requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.

  • 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
    GCE A Level/CIE 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

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

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.

Other pathways to study

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

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Science Conjoint cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,883.35 – $11,427.75*
International students
NZ$53,124 – $65,260*

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 $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,274.40 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 detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit 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 2027
8 December 2026

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 detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The ability to respond to market trends and stay ahead of competitors sees companies investing heavily in design teams. The viability of solutions and innovations of the future will depend on data and scientific research. In-depth knowledge of scientific disciplines brings a level of authority and widens the potential impact on solutions in business, community, government and health.

Jobs related to this programme

  • AR / VR / Mixed reality designer
  • Data analyst
  • Data visualisation designer
  • Information designer
  • Innovation manager
  • Policy adviser
  • Research lead
  • Simulation designer

Further study options

See all study options
Rikka Ly

Rikka Ly

BDes/BSc student Rikka shares why she chose a conjoint degree, her scholarship experience and what her future plans are.

Watch Rikka's video

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International:
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