Minors in the Bachelor of Arts
A minor is an optional additional area of focus for a degree. All major BA subjects are available as minors, while some subjects are only available as minors.
A minor is made up of a collection of courses in a particular subject. The workload for a minor is lighter than for a major—fewer courses to do, fewer points required. This makes a minor a good way to build a second or third area of focus or concentration into your degree. Find out more about how minors work.
All majors can be also be taken as a minor, so check the majors available in the Bachelor of Arts. You might also be able to study majors from other undergraduate degrees as a minor in your Bachelor of Arts.
Minors are made up of at least 60 points from the relevant subject area at 200 level or above. At least 15 of those points must be at 300 level and not counted towards a major or another minor.
Chinese
Studying Chinese language and culture at the University offers a journey into Mandarin, the main language of China and other Chinese-speaking regions. You’ll learn the writing system and spoken Chinese while exploring Chinese society and culture. The University provides excellent resources, expert support, and links to key research centres. With China’s global economic influence, these skills can open career opportunities in business, trade, law, education, or diplomacy.
Requirements
Complete the following courses:
Creative Writing
Identify and develop your own distinctive voice in writing for the page (poetry, fiction, non-fiction) and scriptwriting (stage, screen, radio). Join a lively community of writers in a programme with a well-earned reputation for nurturing the abilities of some of New Zealand's top literary talents. Entry into Creative Writing courses is limited, and you'll need to supply samples of your writing as part of the application process.
Requirements
Complete at least 60 points from:
- CREW 200-399
- SCIS 316.
Including 20 points from:
Data Science
Develop technical skills in computing technologies, statistics, and mathematics and work with real data sets to develop a practical understanding of the social dimensions of data.
Requirements
Complete the following courses:
And complete one further 200- or 300-level course from the Data Science major requirements for the BA.
Education for the Environment
Education for the Environment will give you an understanding of different perspectives and approaches to promoting and evaluating sustainability, kaitiakitanga, and climate education in Aotearoa New Zealand and across the globe.
Requirements
Complete the following courses:
- EDUC 302
- EDUC 316
And complete one further 200- or 300-level course from the Education for the Environment major requirements for the BA.
Environmental Humanities
Environmental Humanities is an interdisciplinary field that examines how the arts and humanities help us better understand our relationships with the planet. By studying literature, art, philosophy, film, media, and history, we explore how cultural beliefs and values shape our interactions with nature.
Requirements
Complete the following courses:
- EHUM 201
- EHUM 301.
And complete one further 200- or 300-level course from the Environmental Humanities major requirements for the BA.
French
Learning French connects you to diverse cultures in countries like Tahiti, Canada, and France and is valuable for those interested in international relations. In your first year, you'll explore the language and culture, with increasing use of French as you progress. Study abroad options and a lively French Club enhance the experience, and senior students can apply for teaching assistant positions in New Caledonia and France.
Requirements
Complete the following courses:
Gender and Sexuality Studies
Explore the way gender and sexuality structure and shape societies and how this affects our lives. You’ll examine what prominent feminist thinkers have said in different historical periods, and take a critical look at current thought on gender and sexuality issues. Get a broader understanding of the world and gain skills that will be valuable in many different workplaces.
Requirements
Complete SACS 202 and a further 40 further points from:
Or other courses approved by the programme coordinator.
Include at least 15 points at 300 level.
German
German is the most spoken language in the European Union and a significant language in global science. As New Zealand’s largest EU trading partner, Germany plays a crucial economic role. At Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, students can study German with flexible options and exchange programmes in Germany, leading to career opportunities in international relations, business, science, and the arts.
Requirements
Complete the following courses:
Japanese
Japan has significantly influenced the modern world in science, technology, and culture. At the University, you'll learn spoken and written Japanese, from hiragana to full conversations. Engage with Wellington's Japanese community through free films and cultural events at the Embassy of Japan and join speech competitions. If you love Japanese culture, studying the language is perfect for you.
Requirements
Complete the following courses:
Kaitiakitanga
Gain an in-depth understanding of how Māori manage their environmental resources, like land, lakes, forests and fisheries. Learn the basics in Māori language, about the ownership of resources, why Māori do and don't own some of these resources, and the laws that help or restrict Māori as they govern their resources.
Requirements
MAOR 301 and 40 further points from:
Mathematics
Study a subject with a rich history as well as many new and developing branches. Explore problem-solving techniques that you can use in a variety of disciplines, scientific and otherwise.
Requirements
Complete the following:
- 60 points from MATH 200–399 and ENGR 222, including at least 15 points at 300-level.
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)
New Zealand Sign Language, the country's third official language, is used by more than 20,000 people. Learn to sign and gain insight into the Deaf community.
Requirements
Complete NZSL 311 and at least 40 points from NZSL 200-299
Popular Music Studies
Explore and critically engage with local and international popular music and gain a ‘big picture’ understanding of the social, cultural, theoretical, historical and political contexts of popular music.
Requirements
Complete MDIA 205 and one of:
And a further 20 points from:
Psychological Science
Study the science behind our brains and our behaviour. Gain insights into why people think, act, and feel the way they do.
Requirements
Complete the following:
- either PSYC 232 or PSYC 242
- two further courses from PSYC 200-299
- one course from PSYC 300-399.
Social Policy
Social Policy takes a focused look at the needs and wellbeing of the population, and the way governments and individuals try to solve some of the big issues of society. If you're looking to work in government or with a non-profit organisation and want insight into common policy questions, this minor is a good option for you.
Requirements
Complete at least 40 points from:
Including 20 points from:
Complete a further 20 points from:
Spanish
Spanish, the second most spoken language and official in 22 countries, is increasingly popular in the USA, making it a great choice for an international career. Courses will enhance your language skills and explore the cultures of Spain and Latin America while addressing contemporary issues. Joining the Spanish and Latin American Club offers cultural experiences, supported by the University’s embassy connections, equipping you with valuable skills for a global career.
Requirements
Complete the following courses: