Design a future you want to live in. Explore all aspects of design through thinking, making and applying and gain conceptual and technical skills relevant to our fast-changing world.
In your Fine Arts component, you will study contemporary art and pursue your choice from a range of art media and practices. These include ceramics, photography, installation, sculpture, print, and more.
The BDes/BFA usually takes four years to complete. It involves:
*15 points from any University of Auckland course
In your Design component, alongside design foundation courses and studio practice, you will also collaborate on real-world briefs with community partners. You will build your own study plan of six elective courses from our four design themes:
You will undertake a capstone design research project in your final year, working from the initial discovery phase right through to testing and implementation.
In your Fine Arts component, you will pursue foundation technologies, critical studies and studio practice. You will develop and refine your artistic practice by choosing from a wide range of elective courses that suit your developing interests. These include courses in painting, printmaking, photography, Ngā Toi Taketake, sculpture and moving image.
In your final year, you will complete a capstone contemporary art project along with an associated research essay.
Students typically enrol in nine 15-point courses (135 points) each year if they want to complete in four years.
You will need to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.5 each year to continue with your conjoint.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
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.
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.
Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.
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.
These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.
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.
These are the grades required for guaranteed 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.
No bands below than 5.5.
No bands below than 5.5.
No bands below than 5.5.
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.
One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas.
These are the grades required for guaranteed 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.
No bands below than 5.5.
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
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 $5,097.60 for full-time study (540 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
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.
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 1 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 28 June |
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
The future of work is changing, and the skills and knowledge developed in a BFA/BDes will equip you to keep up and forge ahead. Combine problem-solving and flexibility with critical and creative thinking to approach new ways of thinking and making.
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
You can phone us directly.