People, places and the environment.
Geographers study the environment – both physical and human, including the physical processes that shape the natural environment, the social and cultural processes that explain patterns of human activity, and the interactions between human activity and the natural world.
Geography also explores key environmental and development challenges, such as climate change and inequality, and the potential solutions to these problems. Geography helps us manage human activity and secure the future of our planet.
A Geography degree at Otago will equip you with valuable research and communication skills using interdisciplinary approaches to explore environmental and societal challenges. This combination of practical skills and theoretical learning will serve you well no matter the career you choose.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis)).
Why study Geography?
Geography provides a bridge between the arts and the sciences, addressing issues at the local, regional, national and global scales. A Geography degree at Otago provides training through lectures and fieldwork in the environments in which we work.
Geography papers fit well into almost any degree and the School of Geography has strong links with many other disciplines including Geology, Surveying, Agricultural Innovation and sustainability research (Centre for Sustainability).
The mix of analytical and communication skills provided, combined with practical experience make Otago Geography graduates highly sought after in a wide range of industries.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Geography as an undergraduate at Otago.
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
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSci)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-semester) or part-time (full-year) study
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
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
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
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
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 |
|---|
| GEOG 490 Dissertation |
| Three further 400-level GEOG or DEVS papers |
| Papers |
|---|
|
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Geography is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
| Papers (Requirements prior to 2027) |
|---|
|
| Papers (Requirements from 2027) |
|
| Dissertation / Studio Project Requirements |
|---|
| GEOG 590 Research Dissertation |
| Two of: |
| HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research |
| HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities |
| HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities |
| And further: |
| 400-level GEOG or DEVS papers worth 60 points |
| Papers-Only Requirements |
| At least two of: |
| HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research |
| HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities |
| HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities |
| And further: |
| 400-level GEOG or DEVS 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. |
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
|
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
GEOG papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG101 | 2026 | Physical Geography | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG102 | 2026 | Geographies of Sustainable Futures | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG201 | 2026 | Field Research Methods | 18 points | Full Year |
| GEOG210 | 2026 | Social Geography | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG212 | 2026 | Transformations in Developing Countries | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG214 | 2026 | Geographies of Global Economic Change | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG215 | 2026 | Envisioning Sustainable Cities | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| GEOG216 | 2026 | Environmental Management: Principles and Values | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG219 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| GEOG228 | 2026 | Geographies of Global Development and Sustainability | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG276 | 2026 | Geographies of Contestation, Action and Change | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG278 | 2026 | Geographies of the South Pacific | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG280 | 2026 | Engaging with People and Place: Doing Geographical Research | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG281 | 2026 | Topics in Physical Geography | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG282 | 2026 | Climate Change: Present and Future | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG283 | 2026 | Climate Change: The Past | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG284 | 2026 | Soils and the Environment | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG285 | 2026 | Southern Landscapes | 12 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG286 | 2026 | Climatology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG287 | 2026 | Plants, People and the Environment | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG288 | 2026 | Rivers and Runoff | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG289 | 2026 | Geomorphology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG298 | 2026 | Coastal Geomorphology | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG299 | 2026 | Freshwater Resources: Monitoring and Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG301 | 2026 | Field Research Studies | 18 points | Full Year |
| GEOG328 | 2026 | Geographies of Global Development and Sustainability | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG374 | 2026 | Geographies of Global Economic Change | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG376 | 2026 | Geographies of Contestation, Action and Change | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG378 | 2026 | Geographies of the South Pacific | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG379 | 2026 | Special Topic in Human Geography | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG380 | 2026 | Field Research Studies | 18 points | Full Year |
| GEOG381 | 2026 | Social Geography | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG382 | 2026 | Transformations in Developing Countries | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG384 | 2026 | Envisioning Sustainable Cities | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG387 | 2026 | Topics in Physical Geography | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG388 | 2026 | Climate Change: Present and Future | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG389 | 2026 | Climate Change: The Past | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG390 | 2026 | Soils and the Environment | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG392 | 2026 | Climatology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG393 | 2026 | Plants, People and the Environment | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG394 | 2026 | Rivers and Runoff | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG395 | 2026 | Geomorphology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG397 | 2026 | Environmental Management: Policy and Practice | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG398 | 2026 | Coastal Geomorphology | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG399 | 2026 | Freshwater Resources: Monitoring and Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG401 | 2026 | Global Development: Theory and Practice | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG454 | 2026 | Alpine Geomorphology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG457 | 2026 | Urban Theory and Practice | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG459 | 2026 | Biogeography | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG460 | 2026 | Climatology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG461 | 2026 | Mountain Hydrology | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG463 | 2026 | Geographies of Justice | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG464 | 2026 | An Approved Course in Geography | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| GEOG465 | 2026 | Special Topic in Geography | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG470 | 2026 | A Research Topic in Geography | 40 points | Full Year |
| GEOG471 | 2026 | Impact Assessment and Sustainability | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG472 | 2026 | Developments in Environmental Management | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG474 | 2026 | Coastal Management | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| GEOG495 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year (23 February 2026 - 6 November 2026), 1st Non standard period (14 July 2026 - 6 July 2027) |
| GEOG501 | 2026 | Global Development: Theory and Practice | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG536 | 2026 | Toitū te Taiao: Planning in a Māori Context | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG557 | 2026 | Urban Theory and Practice | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOG563 | 2026 | Geographies of Justice | 30 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG565 | 2026 | Special Topic in Geography | 30 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOG572 | 2026 | Developments in Environmental Management | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG574 | 2026 | Coastal Management | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOG590 | 2026 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 19 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (17 July 2026 - 9 July 2027) |
Contacts
School of Geography
Email geography@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/geography
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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