AUT course closures leave students in shock

• April 2, 2025

Students studying in the Auckland University of Technology Library. Photo: Mairin Collyer

Some students at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) say they are facing an uncertain future following the reported proposal close postgraduate programmes in human rights and criminology, and criminal justice.

The decision, confirmed by a AUT staff member who declined to be named, has caused frustration among hopeful postgraduate students who say they feel blindsided by a lack of support and communication.

A criminology student, whom TWN agreed to not name, expressed concern over the impact on their future.

“I would have considered my options a lot more thoroughly if I had known this was coming.

"The stress this closure is going to add to others like me who now have to look elsewhere while still completing their undergraduate degrees is overwhelming.

"I feel lost.”

The closure also affects students' ability to collaborate with faculty on research projects, an essential step for many pursuing careers in the postgraduate programmes.

Senior lecturer in criminology at AUT John Buttle called the decision “shortsighted”, and warned that it could weaken AUT’s academic reputation and push students to other universities.

“Based on the notion that for the last two years we’ve had poor numbers, this year the numbers have gone up.

"They are taking action too late,” says Buttle.

AUT’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities declined to comment.

The Tertiary Education Union (TEU) spoke out against the proposal, arguing it will restrict AUT’s role in addressing pressing social issues.

It has urged the university to rethink its proposal.