Welcome to the University of Otago Summer School, 6 January to 20 February 2014
What is Summer School?
Summer School classes run for 6 weeks from 6 January until 14 February, with exams from 15 to 20 February. Summer School offers a wide variety of papers – our full range of papers will be launched here on 4 September.
Why Summer School?
Summer School provides an intensive and more intimate learning experience, supported by the full resources of New Zealand’s oldest and leading university.
Some students take a paper mainly for interest, while others use Summer School to complete essential papers towards their degrees. Some students attend at the beginning of the year to orientate themselves before the first semester starts, making the most of Dunedin city during its long summer days.
Many papers are unique to Summer School, while others are core components of degree programmes. All papers have full academic credit and most are of the same point value as semester papers. In most cases one paper counts as full time study and papers are taught across six weeks instead of the usual 13 weeks of a semester. As a result, many students find that Summer School’s concentrated timetable is particularly beneficial for studying.
Is it difficult? Yes, university study is challenging, but you may find the concentrated nature of Summer School very effective. You’ll immerse yourself as you specialise in a subject, and you’ll find that the smaller classes and quieter campus will only help you focus your learning.
Applying for Summer School 2014
Find out about eligibility, workload, the application process, paper approval, course confirmation and fees.
Summer School for Domestic students
You can apply to do Summer School from April onwards, and select from early September. Places are limited in some papers, so don't leave it till the last minute.
Summer School for International students
If you are a new International student and intend to apply for Summer School 2014, please contact the International Office.
Accommodation at St. Margaret's College
We are delighted to advise that accommodation for Summer School will once again be provided by St Margaret's College. Please visit the St Margaret's website to see what they can offer you.
When and where?
The full list of papers for 2014 will be available from 4 September 2013.
Timetables and Course Schedules
Will be available here after 4 September.
Distance Learning
Some Summer School papers will be offered for distance learning. Details will be announced on 4 September.
Auckland and Wellington-taught papers
At this early stage we can advise that two Laws papers will be taught in Auckland and another two Laws papers will be taught in Wellington.
Summer School Key Dates
- 4 September 2013 Summer School 2014 Programme Launch
- 31 October 2013 Closing date for applications for new International students
- 10 December 2013 Closing date for applications for domestic students and returning International students
- 6 January 2014 Summer School begins
- 14 February 2014 Last day of classes
- 15 February 2014 Examinations begin
- 20 February 2014 Examinations end
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Summer School?
reason #1 one 18-point Summer School paper counts as full time study for StudyLink
reason #2 smaller classes, intense study experience
reason #3 focus on just one thing for six weeks
reason #4 experience you will never forget
reason #5 paying rent from 1 January
reason #6 manage your workload
reason #7 try something new
reason #8 great teachers
reason #9 catching up
reason #10 why not?
Who does Summer School?
It could/should be you!
A final paper for 2013
LAWS472 Special Topic: Animals and the Law will be taught in Dunedin from 11 November to 13 December 2014. Contact Mrs Marie-Louise Neilsen at the Faculty of Law for more information. The direct dial phone is 03-4798854.
Schools
Summer School reports and strategy framework
Summer School 2012 Annual Report
Download the Summer School 2012 Annual Report
The 2013 Annual Report will appear here later this year.
Summer School Strategic Framework
Download the Summer School Strategic Framework (in PDF Format).
This document was approved by Council in June 2009.
Guidelines for Staff
These are available here.
Summer School 2001-2010 (trends report)
Download a report on Otago Summer School from 2001 to 2010.
Contact Us
For more specific information, please contact:
Summer School and Continuing Education
Tel 64 3 479 9181
Fax 64 3 479 4075
summer.school@otago.ac.nz
Summer School and Continuing Education is located in the west wing of Information Services Building, and is opposite the University Information Centre and adjacent to Student Learning.
