Programme overview
Undergraduate study in Social Justice 2025:
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.
Launching in 2026:
From 2026, students can choose to enrol in the 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.
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.
Requirements:
- EDUCSW 199 (required 0-point course)
- 105 points: SOCJUS 101, 102, 103, 201, 301, 399
- 15 points: WTR 100 (to be completed in your first year)
- 30 points: SOCIOL 100, 103
- 15 points: transdisciplinary course
- 150 points: two majors of 75 points each from the Bachelor of Social Justice Studies schedule
- A further 45 points from courses in this programme or other programmes at this university
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Sample programme structure
Please note: this is a sample structure only using Community Action and Change-making (Major 1) and Global Justice, Belonging and Responsibility (Major 2) as examples. The 3rd major option (Intergenerational Justice and Sustainable Futures) has its own required core courses.
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- WTR 100
- Name:
- Waipapa Taumata Rau
- Type:
- Core taught
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TD
- Name:
- Transdisciplinary course
- Type:
- Core taught
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- Free
- Name:
- Free choice
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 101
- Name:
- Social Justice in Aotearoa
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 102
- Name:
- Ko wai Au; Ko wai Tātou?
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCIOL 100
- Name:
- Issues and Themes in Sociology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 103
- Name:
- Rethinking Oceania Connections
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCIOL 103
- Name:
- Aotearoa New Zealand Social Policy and Social Justice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Name:
- Major 1 Elective
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 211 (Major 1 required course)
- Name:
- Engaging with Communities
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- Free
- Name:
- Free choice
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 201
- Name:
- Social Justice Movements
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 202
- Name:
- Tools for change
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCIOL 210 (Major 2 required course)
- Name:
- Colonisation, Globalisation and Social Justice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Major 2 Elective
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- Free
- Name:
- Free choice
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 3 120 points
-
- Name:
- Major 1 Elective
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Major 1 Elective
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 311 (Major 1 required course)
- Name:
- Change-making in Communities
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 301
- Name:
- Structural (In)justice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 399
- Name:
- Capstone: Design for Change
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- SOCJUS 331 (Major 2 required course)
- Name:
- Just Global Futures
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Major 2 Elective
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Major 2 Elective
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
2024 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.
- First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
- 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.
-
QualificationNCEA National Certificate of Educational AchievementScore required150
-
QualificationCIE Cambridge International ExaminationsScore required150
-
QualificationIB International BaccalaureateScore required26
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.
Guaranteed grade requirements
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.
-
Grade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 2.4
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- 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.
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.
Guaranteed grade, subject and other requirements
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.
-
QualificationCIE/GCE A Level Cambridge International/General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced LevelScore requiredCCCQualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
-
QualificationIB International BaccalaureateScore required26QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
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.
Guaranteed grade requirements
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.
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.0
No bands less than 5.5
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- 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)
How much does a Bachelor of Social Justice Studies cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,185.60*
- International students
- NZ$38,568*
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 $8.88 per point, estimated at $3,196.80 for full-time study (360 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
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.
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 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June |
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.
Where could this programme take you?
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 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.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513