Keen to extend your understanding of how culture, power and identity shape our world? Take your knowledge further with postgraduate study at Otago.
Why study postgraduate Anthropology?
At Otago, our postgraduate Anthropology programme offers you the opportunity to reflect deeply on what it means to be human in a changing world. You’ll examine how culture, power, identity, economics and environment interact in everyday lives and extraordinary moments.
Anthropology enables you to deepen your understanding of the complex social forces that shape human lives. You will work closely with active researchers on topics such as health, kinship, reproduction, economic practice, religion, transnational movement and Pacific worlds.
Through advanced coursework and supervised research you will refine your analytical skills, strengthen your ethical practice and develop the capacity to work with diverse communities in ways that create meaningful impact.
Career opportunities
Your postgraduate qualification in anthropology opens doors to meaningful roles. You’ll emerge ready for advanced inquiry, leadership and collaboration.
Possible career pathways:
- Applied cultural researcher in governmental or non-governmental organisations
- Policy advisor or analyst focusing on social, health or cultural issues
- Heritage or museum specialist engaging with communities and material culture
- Consultant for organisations working with indigenous, migrant or global communities
- Academic researcher or lecturer in anthropology or related fields
What it’s like to study at this level
In our postgraduate Anthropology programmes you will study advanced papers and specialise through supervised research (either coursework with dissertation or thesis-only options).
You’ll work closely with expert staff who are active scholars, engaging inquiring minds across cultures, environments and disciplines.
You’ll be part of a community of thinkers — discussing, analysing, designing research, sometimes conducting fieldwork or archival work, and always pushing ideas forward. You’ll be encouraged to view the familiar in a new light, take an ethical stance and create work that matters.
This is for you if ...
We recommend you come in with a completed Bachelor degree (e.g., a Bachelor of Arts) and strong interest in cultural, social or theoretical issues. Comfort with research, writing and critical thinking will help you thrive.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Anthropology as an undergraduate at Otago.
Blending advanced theory, ethical practice and real-world inquiry
Choose Otago for its legacy of research excellence and the rich depth of Anthropology found here. Learn and identify worldly differences everyday living. in The School of Social Sciences offers a vibrant environment where staff and postgraduate students collaborate closely and engage in internationally recognised work across health, culture and society. Join us and you’ll be part of a place where ideas matter, and where you can shape your path and your impact.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP)
A one-year applied, professional programme with a New Zealand and Pacific focus, with full-time, part-time and distance study options.
Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework))
A coursework degree with an optional research dissertation component, usually completed in 12 to 18 months of full-time study, or part-time over a longer period
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
|---|
| ANTH 490 Dissertation, or ANTH 495 Dissertation, or ANAT 490 Dissertation |
| A further 60 points of 400-level ANTH papers |
| BIOA 401 Advanced Biological Anthropology may be substituted for one 400-level ANTH paper |
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Anthropology is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
| Dissertation / Studio Project Requirements |
|---|
| ANTH 590 Research Dissertation |
| Two 500-level HUMS papers (worth 60 points) |
| 400-level ANTH papers worth 60 points |
| Papers-Only Requirements |
| Two 500-level HUMS papers (worth 60 points) |
| 400-level ANTH papers worth 120 points |
| Note: Students are able to take one of HUMS 501-503 not already taken as an optional paper in this pathway. |
| Thesis |
|---|
Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Anthropology or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Anthropology must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Anthropology prior to undertaking the thesis. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
ANTH papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANTH103 | 2026, 2027 | Introduction to Anthropology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANTH105 | 2026, 2027 | Global and Local Cultures | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ANTH106 | 2026, 2027 | Human Origins and Ancient Worlds | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ANTH203 | 2026, 2027 | Asian Archaeology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ANTH204 | 2026, 2027 | Pacific and New Zealand Archaeology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANTH205 | 2026, 2027 | Anthropology and the Contemporary Pacific | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANTH206 | 2026, 2027 | Anthropology of Globalisation | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| ANTH208 | 2026, 2027 | Archaeological Methods | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANTH209 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH210 | 2026, 2027 | Translating Culture | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| ANTH211 | 2026, 2027 | Contemporary Ethnographic Research | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH222 | 2026, 2027 | Conceiving Reproduction | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH223 | 2026, 2027 | Anthropology of Health | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| ANTH225 | 2026, 2027 | Rites of Passage: Death, Grief and Ritual | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH228 | 2026, 2027 | Anthropology of Religion and the Supernatural | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| ANTH231 | 2026, 2027 | The Emergence of Agriculture: An Archaeological Journey | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH310 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH312 | 2026, 2027 | Cultural Politics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANTH317 | 2026, 2027 | Historical Archaeology | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH321 | 2026, 2027 | Archaeozoology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ANTH322 | 2026, 2027 | Conceiving Reproduction | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH323 | 2026, 2027 | Anthropology of Health | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| ANTH324 | 2026, 2027 | Archaeological Practice | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ANTH325 | 2026, 2027 | Rites of Passage: Death, Grief and Ritual | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH326 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH327 | 2026, 2027 | Anthropology of Money | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANTH328 | 2026, 2027 | Anthropology of Religion and the Supernatural | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| ANTH329 | 2026, 2027 | Landscape Archaeology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANTH330 | 2026, 2027 | New Zealand Archaeology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANTH405 | 2026, 2027 | Archaeological Excavation | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (30 January 2026 - 26 June 2026), 1st Non standard period (8 February 2027 - 19 June 2027) |
| ANTH409 | 2026, 2027 | Material Culture Studies | 20 points | Full Year |
| ANTH410 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH411 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH413 | 2026, 2027 | Oceanic Prehistory | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH423 | 2026, 2027 | Bodies, Technologies and Medicines | 30 points | Full Year |
| ANTH424 | 2026, 2027 | The Anthropology of Evil | 30 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH425 | 2026, 2027 | Anthropology of Transnationalism and Diaspora | 30 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| ANTH427 | 2026, 2027 | Archaeological Theory | 20 points | Full Year |
| ANTH430 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced New Zealand Archaeology | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| ANTH431 | 2026, 2027 | People, Culture and Development | 30 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| ANTH490 | 2026, 2027 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| ANTH495 | 2026, 2027 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| ANTH505 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Archaeological Excavation | 30 points | 1st Non standard period (30 January 2026 - 26 June 2026), 1st Non standard period (8 February 2027 - 18 June 2027) |
| ANTH550 | 2026, 2027 | Archaeology and Heritage Practice | 30 points | Full Year, Semester 2 |
| ANTH590 | 2026, 2027 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 21 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 4 July 2027), 1st Non standard period (5 March 2027 - 25 February 2028), 2nd Non standard period (16 July 2027 - 7 July 2028) |
Contacts
Social Anthropology Programme
School of Social Sciences
Email anthropology@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/anthropology
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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