Bachelor of Impact and Innovation – BII

The Bachelor of Impact and Innovation prepares you to engage with the challenges that matter most. It equips you with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to work collaboratively, think differently and create solutions that have a lasting and positive impact.

Work on real-world challenges

The degree is built around a set of core project courses that provide a structured, project-based learning experience across the 3 years of study. You'll work collaboratively to investigate open-ended challenges, test ideas and refine solutions through ongoing feedback.

Each year, you'll take part in projects connected to real-world issues and future-focused challenges. You will finish with a project focused on an area you are personally passionate about.

Build a degree around your interests

The world’s biggest challenges can’t be solved by one discipline alone. This degree draws on expertise from across the university so you will learn from academics with diverse backgrounds.  

You will have the opportunity to personalise your degree through a substantial number of elective courses. These electives enable you to explore interests across different disciplines, develop complementary skills or extend your expertise within their chosen area of focus. You can deepen your knowledge of a particular area of interest by taking one of the many minors available across the university.  

This flexibility ensures that your qualification reflects your goals and aspirations. You will graduate with a broad, adaptable skillset suited to a rapidly changing world.

Gain experience beyond the classroom

A key feature of the qualification is engagement with organisations, communities and industry partners. Students participate in co-designed projects, gaining experience working within real organisational and community contexts.

Develop skills for a changing world

Graduates of the Bachelor of Impact and Innovation develop a set of highly transferable skills that are increasingly valued in today’s rapidly changing world. These include the ability to collaborate across disciplines and cultures, think critically and systemically about complex issues, and approach challenges with creativity and adaptability.

Students also develop strong capabilities in ethical decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and project management. These skills enable graduates to contribute effectively in a wide range of contexts and to respond confidently to emerging challenges.

Learn from the best

You will learn from academics across the university who bring different disciplines, perspectives, and real-world experience into the classroom. Their expertise will help you connect ideas, work across subject areas, and build the confidence to take on complex challenges through project-based learning. With Māori perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi embedded throughout the degree, you will be supported to develop thoughtful, collaborative, and culturally grounded approaches to innovation.

Further study

Postgraduate study enhances the skills and knowledge you gain at undergraduate level and adds research and project management skills that can lead to further career opportunities. You can proceed from a BII to a postgraduate diploma, and on to a Master of Impact and Innovation or Master of Sustainable Development Goals and – ultimately - a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).