Enquire to study in the UK 
A quality education with unique experiences — that’s what it’s like to study at New Zealand’s top university and number one Arts faculty (Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings 2023). The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Arts offers more than 40 subjects across the humanities, social sciences, languages and Indigenous studies — -each providing a mix of intellectual challenge and inspiration from the world around them.
Auckland is a world of opportunities with an outstanding lifestyle. From super friendly locals to sun-kissed beaches, from sailing adventures to nearby trails, there are so many things to do, and most are within an hour of the city centre. And with more than 200 different cultural groups from around the world living here, Auckland is a city rich with culture. You see this in the many vibrant street markets, chic cafes and cool establishments. It’s little wonder why international students here rarely get homesick. They’ve either found a city that feels like a home away from home or are too busy living life to the fullest! Of course they are also busy gaining the skills needed to compete and succeed anywhere in the world.
When it comes to getting students career-ready, the University of Auckland is exemplary. It has a 94% employability rate, with graduates sought after by top organisations worldwide. Always seeking to raise the bar, a cutting-edge facility designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and innovation was officially opened at the end of 2023 by then-Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Hailed as world-leading by the New Zealand Green Building Council, it has state-of-the-art amenities tailored for teaching, learning, and research.. Such investments underscore the university’s dedication to providing students with the resources they need to thrive in their academic pursuits and beyond. The following stories prove the effectiveness of its efforts.
Sunisha Dugar from India
When exploring the possibilities of studying abroad, had a serendipitous encounter with the research of John Hattie, a graduate of the University of Auckland. Intrigued, she dug deeper and discovered the Bachelor of Global Studies, which seemed the perfect programme for her aspirations. To be sure, she took time off to better understand what she wanted out of a university education. Dugar joined projects like teaching children in rural areas, spearheading a global podcast, and contributing to a social enterprise advocating for transgender rights. “These endeavours made everything click and I knew Global Studies was the path for me,” says the student, who is currently in her second year.
True enough, Dugar has found every class riveting since joining. But it’s the courses that challenge her biases and get her out of her comfort zone that Dugar loves most. In Politics 106, she grappled with theories, processes, actors, and ideas — examining them in the context of current events like the Russia-Ukraine war. “It taught us to think critically,” she says. “It even helped us categorise ourselves politically based on our views and apply those theories in our day-to-day lives.”
Source: University of Auckland
These courses not only equipped her with the tools to analyse and deconstruct societal norms but also instilled in her a sense of activism and conviction to effect positive change. “I know for a fact that I want to work in the quality education space, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she shares. “I’m still in the midst of figuring out which stakeholder, but the way my journey has panned out so far, I can feel myself growing closer to the answer.”
Sena Emhoff from the US
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Sena Emhoff found himself drawn to the University of Auckland’s diverse and welcoming community. “Many people told me that transitioning to life here would be easy and I’m happy to say it was,” shares the student.
Emhoff was just as excited about the fact that the Faculty of Arts welcomes Bachelor of Arts undergraduates to double major. This would make it all the easier for him to pursue both his interests in communication and psychology, combining his love for sports with his curiosity about the human brain.
So far, Emhoff has found two courses — Comms 100 and Psych 108 — to be the most impactful. The former, thanks to its modern technology focus, provided practical knowledge that he could readily apply to his interests. Meanwhile, Psych 108 was crucial in narrowing down Emhoff’s interests within psychology to developmental and clinical psychology. “These areas resonate with me due to their focus on the interpersonal aspects of psychology rather than solely on scientific research,” he says.
With this new awareness, the third-year student looks forward to exploring roles related to developmental psychology or social media in sports. While he looks forward to travelling the world and flexing the skills he’s gained from living and learning alongside a diverse community, Emhoff is certain he will miss the university a lot. “The Kate Edger Information Commons is one of my favourite places on campus,” he shares. “There’s just so many different areas and spaces reserved here for students who need to really focus and get work done. There are also places for groups to get together and bring their projects to life.”
Kaavya Ghoshal from India
Kaavya Ghoshal’s decision to study abroad was driven by a combination of familial ties, admiration for Auckland’s natural beauty, and the allure of a balanced lifestyle — she felt studying in the UK might be too rigid, while the US might’ve been too flexible. “Auckland was a good balance between all of that,” she says.
Now in the second year of her Bachelor of Communication, majoring in social change, she’s fully immersed in a vibrant academic community. She finds her lecturers engaging and supportive. They bring to life courses like Narratives of Social Change, giving her invaluable insights into the evolving communication landscape and its impact on society. She especially appreciates the course’s emphasis on practical application.
“For example, one of my professors advised me I should join a specific writing competition, so I listened and applied,” Ghoshal shares. “Here, they always have extra resources to help you pursue your passion.”
Source: University of Auckland
Ghoshal is the Editor for Craccum, the university’s student magazine, and the Head of Communications at TEDxUoA as well as an on-campus marketing club. It’s a busy schedule but one she enjoys a lot. For some downtime, she often heads to one of Auckland’s many green spaces, where she can sit back, relax and do some reading or writing. “If you’re passionate about the outdoors like me, this is the perfect place,” she says. “Here, you can take a bus just an hour out to access amazing hikes, beaches and tracks. This was not a concept for me back home.”
With a lifestyle that’s unbeatable, Ghoshal has no plans to leave Auckland soon. Upon graduating, she hopes to gain professional experience in the city she has grown to love before potentially pursuing a master’s degree here, too.
An enriching education awaits at the University of Auckland, Faculty of Arts.
