Bachelor of Arts

Entry

In general, to be admitted to the BA(Hons) you must have a B grade average in the 300 level papers of your undergraduate major subject. You need to have majored in the same subject for your undergraduate degree as that in which you intend to enrol at graduate level. In some cases, a substantial undergraduate supporting subject may be sufficient prerequisite.

A number of the graduate subjects/programmes are interdisciplinary in nature, and may accept students with appropriate undergraduate majors in other relevant subjects. Admission criteria may vary so please consult the appropriate programme Graduate Adviser for their specific admission criteria.

Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) involves two semesters of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study. The BA(Hons) comprises 120 points at 500 level, of which at least 30 points must be in research, normally a 30 point dissertation or an approved equivalent. The BA(Hons) is awarded with classes of honours.

BA(Hons) subjects

• Anthropology
• Education and Society
• English
• Geography
• History
• Māori and Indigenous Studies
• Music
• Pacific and Indigenous Studies
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Screen and Media Studies
• Social  Policy
• Sociology
• Theatre Studies

Notes

Flexibility

You may take up to 60 points from other subjects, of which up to 30 points may be taken from outside the subjects listed for the degree. You should discuss your intended programme of study with the Graduate Adviser in each of the Schools or Faculties concerned. Some subjects have specific guidelines for numbers and types of papers outside the subject.

You'll learn about human nature and the human mind as they are revealed by the arts, the languages, the politics, and the cultures of the past and the present. The effective communication skills developed while studying the Arts are valued as essential in the modern workplace.

With a BA from the School of Arts, School of Psychological and Social Sciences or School of Law, Politics, and Philosophy, you have the opportunity to tailor your study to suit your passions and interests, across faculties within the University.

You'll have access to Waikato's modern, purpose-built teaching and performance venues, including the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts and on-campus television studios. You will be encouraged to extend and perfect your own practice, and take your place within New Zealand and international creative communities.

The BA in Māori and Indigenous Studies equips you with core knowledge in te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and the ability to critically assess its local, national, and global significance.

This degree will:

• Foster leadership skills within local, national, and international indigenous communities.

• Prepare you to contribute to the development of whānau/hapū/iwi/Māori communities.

• Strengthen your ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals.

• Cultivate an appreciation for indigenous and global issues, especially Māori's role within them.

• Build high-level communication skills in both English and Māori, enabling you to engage with Te Ao Māori.

Graduates will gain critical analysis skills that allow for innovative contributions to New Zealand's social and economic development, labor market, and communities.

Career pathways for BA graduates include roles in the cultural and heritage sector, media, environmental management, Treaty of Waitangi issues, and health, welfare, and education agencies, as well as government departments like Te Puni Kokiri.