Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
360
Overview
Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
Introduction
The Bachelor of Arts with specialisations offers a unique degree combining several subjects under a broader theme.
These groupings allow you to study multiple different courses from a set list that cater towards a particular industry or career in the arts, from creative business to global relations to humanities, and more.
Major/minor option
You can also do a BA with a major and minor combination, allowing you to focus on individual subjects in the three years of the degree.
See the Bachelor of Arts — majors and minors.
Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
What will my study involve?
- Choose from specialisation themed pathways, such as in creative industry practice or international politics.
- Many courses offer field trips, real-world case studies, performances, internships, and community projects.
- You have the option to study a minor from additional subjects across Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health, Product Design, Science, Sport, and Youth and Community Leadership.
- Get involved with some of the many Arts related student clubs including Arts Society, Japan Society, Classoc, and Musoc.
Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
Entry requirements
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Recommended preparation
All Arts subjects, including languages, can be started at first-year level without previous knowledge of the subject. A good standard of spoken and written English is important.
Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
How do I plan my degree?
The Bachelor of Arts requires a minimum total of 360 points:
- at least 255 points from Arts courses, including two compulsory courses
- the remaining 105 points can be from either Arts courses or courses from other degrees.
A minimum of 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years.
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Arts.
Specialisations
BA Specialisations students have the option of completing either:
- a specialisation
- a specialisation and a minor.
Specialisations offer a pathway that groups courses from different subjects into a central theme. Each specialisation is made up of 225 points of compulsory courses across different subjects, with a minimum of 90 points at 300-level and 180 points at 200-level or above.
A minor consists of a minimum of 75 points, including at least 45 points above 100-level, in a single subject chosen from Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health, Product Design, Science, Sport, or Youth and Community Leadership degrees.
See the Bachelor of Arts — majors and minors combination as another option allowing you to focus on individual subjects.
Double degrees
It is possible to study a Bachelor of Arts alongside other degrees at the same time, such as the Bachelor of Criminal Justice or Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability.
Find out more information about Double degrees.
Conjoint degrees
You can study a conjoint degree and merge your Bachelor of Arts with options such as the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science, so that you can complete major subjects from multiple areas in a shorter timeframe.
Find out more information about Conjoint degrees.
Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
Subjects and courses
The Bachelor of Arts is a highly flexible degree that allows a wide range of choices of specialisation pathways and minor subjects, as well as courses from other degrees.
Compulsory courses
Choose two of the following courses:
- ARTS102 Problems, Questions, Evidence
- MAOR165 Tuakiri: Culture and Identity
- WRIT101 Writing for Academic Success
Specialisations
Specialisations include a set programme of courses centred on a broad theme. These allow you to develop expertise in more subjects than a major, as well as the opportunity to customise your study to your particular interests.
Minor subjects
Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
Further study
UC has a wide range of options for postgraduate and graduate Arts study with excellent research facilities.
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Journalism
- Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
- Postgraduate Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Leadership
- Postgraduate Certificate in Te Reo Māori
- Postgraduate Diploma in Art Curatorship
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Te Reo Māori
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Thesis)
- Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting
- Master of European Union Studies
- Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
- Master of Linguistics
- Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership
- Master of Policy and Governance
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Systems Change
- Master of Te Reo Māori
- Master of Writing
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
Career ready
- Gain practical experience by adding an internship in your second or third year of study.
- Learn sought after workplace skills such as writing, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
- Graduates will be ready to work in media, politics, conservation, iwi organisations, tourism, heritage, international relations, and more.
Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
Bachelor of Arts - Specialisation pathway example degree structure diagram
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Arts.
