Course details

Summary

You can choose from a wide range of subjects in the humanities, social sciences, cultures and languages.

Our new requirement for two majors encourages you to develop substantial knowledge in two areas and enhance your opportunities for careers or postgraduate study.

Our BA develops the skills that are essential for you to adapt and thrive in a fast-changing, globalised economy. You will be able to use your knowledge and skills in many different careers and employment settings.

Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humankind - our biology, culture and diversity, both past and present.

The study of Anthropology includes Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Social Anthropology and Ethnomusicology. You can specialise in any one of these fields, or you can choose to study across these areas. Anthropology bridges the natural sciences, human sciences and humanities, and we embrace a unified approach.

What can you study in Anthropology?

In Anthropology you can study topics ranging from human evolution and the development of human culture to aspects of modern society.

Archaeology examines the development of human culture from its earliest beginnings to the present. You can study the archaeology of New Zealand, the Pacific and other regions, and archaeological methods.

Biological Anthropology concerns our species, Homo sapiens, from a biological point of view. You can study primates, human growth, genetics and fossil materials.

Anthropology and your career

Anthropology can develop skills in communication and analysis, as well as an awareness of culture, ethnicity and society. Anthropology can lead to careers in: aid and development agencies; teaching; consultancy in archaeological, health, social or environmental research; tourism; iwi authorities; museums; local or central government.

Requirements for a BA major:

You can take a major in Anthropology as one of your two BA majors (a double major). You will need to pass at least 120 points (eight courses) towards each of your majors, including at least 45 points (three courses) at Stage III.

For a single major you must pass at least 135 points, including at least 60 points above Stage II.
For a double major you must pass at least 120 points in each of two majors, including at least 45 points above Stage II in each major.

Modules

A Module is a grouping of three courses (45 points) on a particular theme which enables you to add value to your degree.

What are Modules?

Modules are a new feature of the Bachelor of Arts from 2018.

Modules are optional. If you wish to, you may take one or two modules in addition to your two majors within the overall structure of the BA.

Modules are designed to complement the skills you will develop through your other studies. The skills you can expect to gain through BA study are outlined in our Graduate Profile.

The benefits of taking a module

By taking a module you can focus the study outside your majors on a specific, skills-based area.
This will enable you to add to your skill set for future employment, develop skills that you can use in the workplace, stand out from other graduates and enhance your career prospects. The content and skills offered by modules may help inform or benefit future potential career paths.
As Modules are formally acknowledged on your academic record, you will be able to demonstrate your ability in a specific set of skills or areas of knowledge outside your majors.

Further study options

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Master of Arts

Entry criteria

Secondary school qualifications

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 with at least a 'C' grade or higher. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA, Pearson Education Limited and CIE taken outside of New Zealand.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0; TOEFL (iBT) 80; TOEFL (paper-based) 550; CAE or CPE 169; PTE 50; MELAB 80.