The Bachelor of Global Studies is designed to help you make a difference by applying your knowledge to the big issues of our increasingly globalised world.
You will be exposed to new ways of thinking about the world. You will gain an in-depth understanding of contemporary issues and challenge your assumptions about how the world works.
As you gain competency in another language you’ll deepen your understanding of other cultures and perspectives.
You will develop skills for future careers that demand leadership, teamwork, public speaking, critical thinking, research and intercultural communication.
Information for students located outside New Zealand
The Bachelor of Global Studies, including conjoint programmes, is not available to new students wanting to start this programme and study online outside New Zealand. Admissions will re-open to new international students when New Zealand border regulations permit travel to New Zealand and in-person study on campus.
Students who have already started the Bachelor of Global Studies may continue in the programme while located outside New Zealand, but there may be a limited number of courses available online.
The Bachelor of Global Studies is a cross-faculty degree that draws on the combined expertise of the faculties of Arts, Business, Creative Arts and Industries, Engineering, Law and Science.
You will choose from one of four majors when you start the programme:
You will supplement your major with core courses in Global Studies, courses in a language, area studies in a region related to your chosen language, elective courses, and General Education.
You will have many opportunities to develop skills and experience through internships, workshops and research projects. We encourage you to spend time overseas during your study.
The broad structure of the programme is:
Three core courses: GLOBAL 102, GLOBAL 200, GLOBAL 300 (45 points)
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
Sample programme structure
Year one 120 points
Code:
GLOBAL 102
Name:
Intercultural Communication
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage I course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage I course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage I course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage I course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage I course
Type:
Language course
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage I course
Type:
Language course
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage I course
Type:
General Education course
Points:
15 pts
Year two 120 points
Code:
GLOBAL 200
Name:
Global Challenges
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage II course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage II course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage II course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage II course
Type:
Language course
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage II course
Type:
Language course
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage II course
Type:
Area studies course
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage II course
Type:
Area studies course
Points:
15 pts
Year three 120 points
Code:
GLOBAL 300
Name:
Research Project
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage III course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage III course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage III course
Type:
As required for major
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage III course
Type:
Area studies course
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Elective course
Type:
Any stage
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Elective course
Type:
Any stage
Points:
15 pts
Name:
Stage I course
Type:
General Education course
Points:
15 pts
Sample programme structure
An example of how to structure the degree using Global Politics and Human Rights as a major, Spanish as a language and Latin America as an area study.
Year one 120 points
Code:
GLOBAL 102
Name:
Intercultural Communication
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
POLITICS 106
Name:
Global Politics
Type:
Stage I course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
PHIL 102
Name:
Introduction to Ethics
Type:
Stage I course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
HISTORY 103
Name:
Global History
Type:
Stage I course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
GLOBAL 101
Name:
Global Issues, Sustainable Futures
Type:
Stage I course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
SPANISH 104
Name:
Beginners' Spanish 1
Type:
Stage I language course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
SPANISH 105
Name:
Beginners' Spanish 2
Type:
Stage I language course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
MĀORI 130G
Name:
Te Ao Māori: The Māori World
Type:
General Education course
Points:
15 pts
Year two 120 points
Code:
GLOBAL 200
Name:
Global Challenges
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
POLITICS 201
Name:
Globalisation and International Organisations
Type:
Stage II course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
POLITICS 214
Name:
Democracy in Theory and Practice
Type:
Stage II course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
PHIL 205
Name:
Community, Society and Rights
Type:
Stage II course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
SPANISH 200
Name:
Intermediate Spanish 1
Type:
Language course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
SPANISH 201
Name:
Intermediate Spanish 2
Type:
Language course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
LATINAM 201
Name:
Latin American History and Culture Through Film
Type:
Area studies course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
LATINAM 216
Name:
Music, Politics and Social Change
Type:
Area studies course
Points:
15 pts
Year three 120 points
Code:
GLOBAL 300
Name:
Research Project
Type:
Compulsory core course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
PHIL 310
Name:
Political Philosophy 3
Type:
Stage III course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
POLITICS 320
Name:
Social Justice
Type:
Stage III course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
LAWPUBL 402
Name:
International Law
Type:
Stage III course for major
Points:
15 pts
Code:
LATINAM 325
Name:
First Nations in Latin America
Type:
Area studies course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
SOCIOL 210
Name:
Colonisation, Globalisation and Social Justice
Type:
Elective course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
SPANISH 323
Name:
Spanish Translation Practice
Type:
Elective course
Points:
15 pts
Code:
ECON 151G
Name:
Understanding the Global Economy
Type:
General Education course
Points:
15 pts
2023 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.
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
NCEANational Certificate of Educational Achievement
Score required
210
Minimum of 16 credits in each of three subjects from the NCEA approved subject list. Study of an additional language is encouraged.
We recognise the significant disruption caused by Covid-19 on New Zealand secondary school students. While the advised rank score and subject requirements still guarantee entry in the Bachelor of Global Studies other applications will be considered, subject to places being available.
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.
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.
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.
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 have no formal University Entrance qualification and will be over 20 years of age on the day you hope to begin your programme, you may quailify for Special Admission.
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
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
Score required
28
+
Qualification
IELTS AcademicInternational English Language Testing System
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)
If you have no formal University Entrance qualification and will be over 20 years of age on the day you hope to begin your programme, you may quailify for Special Admission.
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 Global Studies cost per year?
2023 fees
Domestic students
NZ$7,211*
International students
NZ$45,698*
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 $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
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
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.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
The Bachelor of Global Studies consists of core courses, a major, language, area studies, General Education, and elective courses. You will need to plan carefully to make sure that you complete all of these elements.
Here's how to structure your stand-alone degree:
Year one
Core course
You must take the Stage I core course GLOBAL 102: Introduction to Global Studies (formerly Global 100).
Courses for your major
In your first year you should take a total of four Stage I courses for your chosen major. Pay particular attention to the courses that your major must include. You will need to check the semester in which your preferred courses are taught in order to plan successfully. You can find the courses available for your major in the BGlobalSt schedule. Take courses that your major must include first.
Language and Area Studies
Learning an additional language and studying a region where your chosen language is spoken are essential components of the Bachelor of Global Studies. By learning another language you can expand your world view and, by removing barriers to communication, open yourself up to endless new possibilities.
Language study is sequential. You need to complete four language courses in two consecutive years during the course of your degree. You should begin your language study in year one and plan to take two language courses in your first year if possible. You can find the language courses available to you in the BGlobalSt schedule. For Asian and European languages you need to complete a Language Ability Declaration and enrol in one of the beginner level courses listed in the first instance. You will be placed in a class appropriate to your level. Find out more about first time enrolment in language courses.
General Education
You should take one General Education course in your first year. You can choose courses from the Open, Arts, and Business and Economics Schedules. Browse the General Education schedules.
Note: A student is exempted from 15 points of General Education if they enrol in and complete one or two semesters of 45 points of study or more on a student exchange programme.
Year two
Core course
You must take the Stage II core course: GLOBAL 200.
Courses for your major
Choose three courses at Stage II from the course listings for your major, paying attention to the prerequisites for the stage III courses that you plan to take in year three. You can find the courses that you need to complete for your major in the BGlobalSt schedule.
Language courses
Complete two further language courses. You are also strongly encouraged to take advantage of opportunities for study or experiential learning overseas.
Area studies
Complete two area studies courses related to your chosen language from the course listings for your regional area. Three courses are required to complete this component, one of which must be at Stage III. You can find the area studies courses available to you in the BGlobalSt schedule.
Year three
Core course
You must take the Stage III core course GLOBAL 300.
Courses for your major
Choose three courses at Stage III from the course listings for your major. You can find the courses that you need to complete for your major in the BGlobalSt schedule.
Area studies
Choose one Stage III course from the course listings for your regional area.
Elective courses
You can undertake 30 points of elective study in any subject. Choose two courses either from the courses available for your major or from elsewhere that enhance a component of your degree.
General Education
Complete your second General Education course.
Variations to this structure are possible but require the approval of the programme director. If you need help at any time, please contact Global Studies Student and Programme Adviser, Dr Svetlana Kostrynkina (s.kostrykina@auckland.ac.nz) or book an appointment.
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?
A Bachelor of Global Studies will prepare you for a range of exciting careers. With your combination of skills and your global knowledge, you will be well-prepared to make a difference in a variety of fields. You might go on to work in politics and government, the environmental sector, international development, foreign affairs, trade, defence or the arts.
Dr Callie Vandewiele and Dr Lana Kostrykina discuss how the Bachelor of Global Studies helps students navigate our world's increasingly complex issues.
