University of Auckland

What you'll study

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)

• The honours year is a concentrated programme building on a prior three-year science degree. The core component is an independent research project supervised by a faculty member, typically accounting for a substantial portion of the credit load.
• Students complement the research project with advanced coursework in their chosen science discipline — for example, specialist modules in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics or environmental science. Typical topics include experimental design, advanced statistics, discipline-specific methodologies and recent developments in the field.
• The programme emphasises laboratory and field skills (where relevant), research ethics, data analysis, scientific communication and critical review of literature. Students produce a written thesis and usually present their research findings in a seminar forum.

Bachelor of Global Studies

• The Bachelor of Global Studies is an interdisciplinary degree combining subjects across social sciences and humanities. Core themes cover globalisation, human rights, development, transnational governance, migration, culture and environmental change.
• Students choose from taught papers in areas such as international relations, development studies, political economy, anthropology, global media, languages and environmental policy. Many students take one or more language papers and comparative regional studies (for example Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, or the Middle East).
• Programme structure includes a mix of lectures, seminars, case studies and applied project work. There are opportunities for directed research projects, internships, or study abroad to gain international experience.

Entry requirements

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)

• Entry to the honours year normally requires completion of a relevant three-year bachelor degree (for example a Bachelor of Science) with a strong academic record. Admissions are competitive and based on academic grades and the match between the applicant's research interests and available supervisors.
• Departments may ask for a research proposal or evidence of research experience, and some fields require prerequisite specialised papers. International applicants must meet the University’s English-language requirements.

Bachelor of Global Studies

• Entry is typically from secondary school (via standard university admission pathways) or by internal transfer from other undergraduate programmes. Applicants should present a broad academic record demonstrating readiness for interdisciplinary study; specific requirements vary by entry route and applicant background.
• Language proficiency requirements apply for students whose prior education was not in English. Prior study in social sciences or languages is useful but not mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)

• Are well placed to continue to postgraduate research (MSc, PhD) or to enter professional roles that require advanced technical and analytical skills.
• Common career paths include research scientist, laboratory specialist, data analyst, technical consultant, and roles in industry R&D, environmental management, health research or science policy depending on the discipline.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Global Studies

• Go on to careers in international development, diplomacy and foreign service, non-governmental organisations, public policy, international business, journalism, and cultural institutions.
• The degree’s emphasis on cross-cultural understanding, languages and policy analysis also suits roles in local government, advocacy groups, and multinational corporations, and is a solid foundation for further study in law, public policy or international relations.

Why study at University of Auckland

• The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest research university, offering access to experienced research supervisors, well-equipped laboratories and strong links with industry and government for science honours students.
• For Global Studies, the university’s location in a diverse Pacific/Aotearoa setting provides a distinctive regional perspective on global issues, with opportunities for language study, internships and engagement with international organisations based in the city and region.
• Both programmes benefit from a campus environment that supports interdisciplinary collaboration, student support services, and pathways to postgraduate study. Students can take advantage of exchange and study-abroad partnerships to gain international experience as part of their degree.