Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts

If you’re fascinated by the history and creative activities of humankind and how this shapes societies and our future – then a Bachelor of Arts from Waikato is for you. The Bachelor of Arts maybe taken within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies.

With a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Waikato you gain an internationally recognised degree, leading to diverse career opportunities. Our graduates are in demand for their flexible skills, practical outlook and depth of understanding they bring to their roles.

A Waikato BA develops sector-specific analytical abilities and research experience, well-honed written and verbal communication skills, and a broad perspective on the world and its various cultures.

BA under the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

With a BA from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences you have the opportunity to tailor your study to suit your passions and interests, across faculties within the University.

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.

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.

BA under the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies

The BA under the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies will teach you the fundamental bodies of knowledge in te reo and tikanga Māori, its distinctiveness, and the ability to think critically of its place locally, nationally and globally.

Studying the BA will provide you with leadership qualities in local, national and international indigenous communities and the ability to contribute to the ongoing development of whānau/hapū/iwi/Māori communities. You'll develop the capacity for working cooperatively with diverse groups and individuals, and contributing effectively to collective projects.

The programme will develop your appreciation of indigenous and global issues and the place of Māori in that indigenous community.

You'll graduate with a high level of communication skills in English and/or Māori and the competency to engage with Te Ao Māori.

You will have acquired the critical analysis skills and understanding to make a positive, relevant and innovative contribution to the social and economic development, the labour market and community of New Zealand.

BA graduates from the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies might become active in the cultural and heritage sector, media, environmental management, Treaty of Waitangi issues and health, welfare and education agencies, and Government Departments including Te Puni Kokiri, to name just a few.

Career opportunities

• Analyst
• Composer
• Editor
• Events Manager
• Foreign Affairs Adviser
• Historian
• Journalist
• Museum Curator
• Orator
• Politician
• Screenwriter
• Television Director or Producer
• Writer

Practical experience

Many of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ degrees offer work placement opportunities or projects with businesses and community groups. In most cases, these can count towards your programme of study.

Admission and enrolment

You will be eligible to apply for this degree if you have University Entrance and meet any additional requirements for the qualification. All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Some first-year papers may have specific prerequisites, so please check the catalogue of papers carefully. If you do not meet the prerequisites, please contact wfass@waikato.ac.nz (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) or fmis@waikato.ac.nz (Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies) as there may be other pathways that you can take to study in this field.