Conjoint programmes and double degrees
Having skills in more than one discipline can give you a competitive edge and increase your career opportunities. AUT offers three ways you can achieve this:
- Undertaking a conjoint programme of study
- Completing two degrees (double degrees)
- Including a second major or a minor in your degree.
Conjoint programmes
A conjoint programme of study doubles your knowledge and opportunities, but it doesn’t take double the time to complete.
You study two degrees at the same time in a single programme of study and complete both degrees in a shorter time than it would take to complete them separately. It's usually possible to complete two three-year degrees in four to five years*.
When you graduate you will receive two degree parchments – one for each of the two bachelor’s degrees making up the conjoint.
* There are some special rules for conjoint programmes: you need to meet higher than normal entry requirements and, once enrolled, maintain a B grade average across all papers each year to remain in the programme of study. You need to enrol in papers from each degree every year.
Conjoint programmes of study at AUT
Double degrees
The difference between double degrees and conjoint programmes is that in the double degrees you apply for and enrol separately in each of the two degrees. If you’re considering doing this, please seek course advice to discuss your plans. You may be able to cross-credit relevant papers from one degree to the other, although the number of cross-credits will vary depending on the degree combinations.
Double degrees may be completed either one after the other or concurrently.
When you graduate you will receive two degree parchments – one for each of the two bachelor’s degrees you have completed.
Double degrees you can study at AUT
You must apply for and be admitted to each individual degree*
Some popular combinations include:
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (formerly a conjoint programme)
- Bachelor of Communication Studies and Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Business
* Some restrictions apply. For example, the clinical degrees in health may not be studied as double degrees.
Second majors and minors
If conjoint programmes or double degrees are not for you, you may be able to take a second major in your degree.
When you take a second major from the majors available in your degree this is called a double major, if you take the second major from another AUT degree this is called an additional major.
Minors are also available in these and some other subjects. Adding a second major or a minor allows you to study another area that interests you from a wide range of subjects, so long as your timetable permits.
Additional majors and minors you can study at AUT
- For an alphabetical list of all additional majors and minors, please refer to the AUT Calendar
- Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies additional majors and minors
- Faculty of Culture and Society additional majors and minors
Hear from some of our students and alumni from the conjoint programme, or who have undertaken two degrees, or a second major or minor:
Amy Pollok
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Communication Studies conjoint programme
After initially enrolling in law at another university, Amy Pollok came to AUT when she realised that she wanted a creative career.
“After years of assuming I’d end up a lawyer, I realised that I needed more creativity in my studies, which is why I enrolled in communication studies. However, I didn’t want to sacrifice business acumen, so I chose to do the Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Communication Studies conjoint programme, majoring in marketing and advertising creativity. It was the perfect way to pursue both creative and business studies.”
Benjamin Mugisho
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Bachelor of Laws
Benjamin Mugisho has long been passionate about justice and human rights. Now enrolled in both AUT’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Bachelor of Laws, he hopes to turn his passion into a career as a criminal lawyer.
“I grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo – one of the most war torn countries in the world – and frequently saw people’s rights taken away. It made me interested in what crime is and why some people are more likely to commit crime than others,” says Ben who came to New Zealand as a refugee five years ago.
“My law degree plus my understanding of theories related to criminology and crime will give me a good grounding for a career where I can really make a difference.”
Stevie Davis-Tana
Bachelor of Arts in Māori Development and Social Sciences
A double major in Māori Development and Social Sciences is the perfect combination for Bachelor of Arts student Stevie Davis-Tana.
"They're two aspects of life I'm really passionate about. Not only am I able to learn about social sciences which will help me in my chosen career field of youth development, but I can also apply Māori tikanga and practices — which is a fundamental part of who I am — to my learning."
Last updated: 22-Sep-2016 2.31pm
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.