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Overview
There are a number of qualifications at the University of Otago which are considered general bachelors' degrees and are subject to the Entry Pathway system.
Programmes considered general bachelors' degrees:
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBioMedSc)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Consumer and Applied Sciences (BCApSc) (no new enrolments being accepted)
- Bachelor of Music (MusB)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)
A number of other courses are also subject to the Entry Pathway system:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (first year only)
- Certificate of Proficiency (COP) for undergraduate papers
- Health Sciences First Year
- Surveying First Year
- other intermediate courses
Standard Requirements
General bachelors' degrees are normally taken over three years and require a minimum of 360 points. At least 180 of these points must be above 100-level, and at least 72 must be at 300-level in your major subject.
There must be a major subject in every general degree, which means that you must satisfy the requirements specified for that subject.
In a BA, BAppsc, BCom, BCApSc, BSc, or BTheol degree you also have the option of having a minor subject specified.
In BA, BTheol, BCom, and BSc degrees you can include up to 90 points of papers from other degrees.
In the BAppSc degree the number of points permitted for papers from other degrees varies depending on your choice of major and minor subjects.
In the MusB degree, you can include up to 72 points for papers from other degrees.
Most ordinary bachelors' degrees and many of the specialised bachelors' degrees have Honours degrees allied to them (e.g. BA and BA(Hons)).
Entry Pathways
Caps on the number of students who can enrol in general bachelors' degrees exist with selection primarily based on academic merit.
There are two pathways for admission to these programmes for new domestic undergraduate students (and certain students who have enrolled at Otago previously).
It is expected that the majority of students admitted to Otago in 2013 will achieve entry via the Preferential Entry pathway. As long as enrolment patterns remain similar to previous years, a reasonable number of places will also be available via the Competitive Entry pathway.
The selection process also includes an enhanced admission system for Māori and Pacific applicants and applicants with relevant disabilities. Applicants wishing consideration on the basis of disability must supply the relevant information on the form provided for that purpose, available on request from the University Information Centre.
Enrolment Requirements for Students at Otago
Students who have been enrolled at the University of Otago in 2012 or earlier will be considered for re-enrolment in two categories:
Returning Students
Students who have been enrolled at the University of Otago in 2011 or 2012 (returning students) may normally enrol again, subject to the standard provisions of the University's Academic Progress Policy and the admission regulations for specific programmes.
Recommencing Students
Students who were last enrolled at the University of Otago in 2010 or earlier (recommencing students) will be considered for re-enrolment on the basis of their academic records (at both Otago and other tertiary institutions where relevant) and assessed for Preferential Entry or Competitive Entry if applying for general bachelors' degrees.
Their requirement for Preferential Entry (and a guaranteed place) for general bachelors' degrees is a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4 (B-) or more. Recommencing students with a GPA below 4 will be considered under the Competitive Entry pathway.
Further Information
Do you need further information about enrolment at the University of Otago? See the Enrolment Frequently Asked Questions elsewhere on this website.
