From international relations to political theory, New Zealand politics to comparative studies – empower yourself with Politics.
Politics is the study of how power is organised and used, nationally and internationally. Power relations affect every aspect of our lives, determining what we think, say and do, and how we co-operate to make the world a better place.
So much of what we see in the news is about politics, including Brexit, the US election, the Syrian conflict, and the Treaty of Waitangi. By studying politics, you will gain a balanced, analytical and insightful understanding of topics that may be sensationalised in the media. Empower yourself to know the difference: study Politics.
Why study Politics?
Consider what you stand to gain from a better understanding of people and power, conflict and co-operation. By studying Politics, you will get to know power intimately and acquire the insight and skills to use power for the betterment of yourself, society, and the world.
Politics is a practical field of study that will empower you to understand and take part in responsible decision-making. It is also an intellectually stimulating field.
The knowledge and skills acquired from studying Politics will not only empower you to make a difference, but are very attractive to future employers.
Politics at Otago
Otago’s Politics lecturers are all experts in their fields, actively engaged in research that enriches their teaching.
Our approach to the study of politics is a blend of traditional and modern analysis. The breadth of the discipline of politics is reflected in the wide range of papers on offer at Otago. At Otago, Politics is arranged into four fields:
- International Relations – study international conflicts and co-operation between states
- New Zealand Politics – understand the politics of Aotearoa
- Political Theory – ask important theoretical questions about the nature of power and justice
- Comparative Politics – compare the politics of a range of countries and regions
Background required
Studying Politics at Otago assumes no prior knowledge. If you have an interest in national and international affairs, you should consider including some politics in your degree.
Degree options
You can study Politics as a major within the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Politics is an excellent subject to study with another area of interest, either as a double-major in the BA, alongside a Science subject in the BASc, alongside a Commerce subject in the BACom, or as a double degree with Law or Commerce, and other options.
Politics is also part of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) major, and is available as a minor within a range of degree options, or simply as an additional interest paper to strengthen your degree.
An understanding of politics also complements degrees in areas such as Law, International Business, History, Economics, Geography, Management or Psychology.
Student exchange
The opportunity to study at an international university and understand another culture is an invaluable educational experience for a Politics student. You may be able to do part of your study overseas through the University’s extensive exchange programme or as a postgraduate student.
Continuing your studies
We offer a range of postgraduate programmes. The twelve-month long Master of Politics (MPols) and Master of International Studies (MIntSt) degrees are excellent options for students interested in specialising in a particular area of politics or seeking an extra edge when considering their future career options. We also offer two research degrees – the Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Career opportunities
Politics graduates have the ability to analyse issues logically, to challenge conventional assumptions, to consider different options and viewpoints, make informed decisions, and act with flexibility, adaptability and creativity.
In addition to these specialist skills, our programmes enable you to develop a range of personal and professional skills that are highly valued by employers.
A Politics degree has helped many graduates find exciting, challenging and highly-rewarding careers in a broad range of fields across New Zealand and around the world. Our graduates are policy analysts, diplomats, working with refugees, journalists, business leaders, lawyers, public servants, consultants, and even politicians.
Many continue on to study towards a postgraduate degree at prestigious international universities.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
- Master of Politics (MPols)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Politics
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | Two 100-level POLS papers | 36 |
| 200-level | Two 200-level POLS papers One further POLS paper at 200-level or above One of CHIN 241 Contemporary Chinese Society, GEND 201 Introduction to Feminist Theory, GEND 208 Governing Bodies, PHIL 227 Morality and Politics:Hobbes to Hume, PHIL 228 Ethics, PSYC 204 Justice, Race and Class, or PUBH 203 Health Policy and Politics, may be substituted for one 200-level POLS paper, and CLAS 346 may be substituted for one 300-level POLS paper. | 36 18 |
| 300-level | Four 300-level POLS papers | 72 |
| Plus | 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | 198 |
| Total | 360 |
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)) in Politics
| Thesis |
|---|
|
Master of Politics (MPols)
| Papers | Points |
|---|---|
|
30 90 60 |
Minor subject requirements
Politics as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | See below |
|
| 200-level | See below |
|
| 300-level | One 100-level POLS paper, and four further POLS papers, three of which must be above 100-level including at least one at 300-level. | 90 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
Key information for students
Contact us
Email politics@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/politics
