AUT course closures leave students in shock
• April 2, 2025
Students studying in the Auckland University of Technology Library. Photo: Mairin Collyer
Students at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) are facing an uncertain future following the reported closure of 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 students who feel blindsided by the lack of support and communication.
A criminology student wishing to remain anonymous, 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 limits opportunities for students hoping to continue their studies at AUT now forced to seek other options at other universities.
It also affects students' ability to collaborate with faculty on research projects, an essential step for many pursuing careers in the postgraduate programs.
Senior Lecturer in Criminology at AUT John Buttle called the decision “shortsighted,” and warned that it could weaken the 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 that it will restrict AUT’s role in addressing pressing social issues.
It has urged the university to rethink their proposal with students remaining in the dark about what support, if any, will be offered to those impacted.
Few staff members and students have spoken out about the closures, and many are concerned about how this choice would impact their chances for further education and employment.
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