AUT course closures leave students in shock

Some students at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) say they face uncertain futures after news emerged of a proposal to 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 has 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.