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.
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.
Learn about studying Politics as an undergraduate at Otago.
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.
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A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
A one-year (full-time) degree that encompasses both coursework and research
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Compare programmes for this subject.
Thesis |
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|
Papers | Points |
---|---|
POLS 501 The 'Political': Theory and Practice | 30 |
Three further 500-level POLS papers | 90 |
POLS 590 Research Dissertation | 60 |
View a list of all related papers below.
Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
---|---|---|---|---|
POLS102 | 2025 | Aotearoa New Zealand Politics – Introduction | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS104 | 2025 | International Relations - Introduction | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS105 | 2025 | Comparative Politics - Introduction | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS110 | 2025 | Political Ideas in Action | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS202 | 2025 | Theories of Justice | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS208 | 2025 | Democracy | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS210 | 2025 | Politics of the Middle East | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS213 | 2025 | New Zealand Foreign Policy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS216 | 2025 | Politics of the European Union | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS218 | 2025 | Interventions, Peacekeeping and the Global South | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS224 | 2025 | Current Issues in Environmental Politics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS230 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS237 | 2025 | New Zealand Government and Constitution | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS244 | 2025 | Political Theory: Basic Problems | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS250 | 2025 | International Security | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS303 | 2025 | New Zealand's Political Economy | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS306 | 2025 | Politics and the Media in New Zealand | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS307 | 2025 | Nature, Conflict, and the State | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS308 | 2025 | United States Foreign Policy since 1945 | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS315 | 2025 | Nationalism and Identity | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS318 | 2025 | Chinese Foreign Policy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS319 | 2025 | Te Tiriti/Treaty Politics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS321 | 2025 | Public Policy in New Zealand | 18 points | Summer School |
POLS323 | 2025 | Marxism: Classical and Contemporary | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS324 | 2025 | Current Issues in Environmental Politics (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS325 | 2025 | International Relations: Concepts and Theories | 18 points | Semester 1 |
POLS326 | 2025 | Politics of the Arabian Peninsula | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS330 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS337 | 2025 | New Zealand Government and Constitution | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS375 | 2025 | Human Rights - From the Cradle to the Grave | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS390 | 2025 | Research Project | 18 points | Semester 2 |
POLS413 | 2025 | Political Theory for the Environment | 20 points | Semester 2 |
POLS475 | 2025 | The Ethics and Politics of Resistance | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
POLS501 | 2025 | The 'Political': Theory and Practice | 30 points | Semester 1 |
POLS512 | 2025 | The Ethics and Politics of Resistance | 30 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS513 | 2025 | Political Theory for the Environment | 30 points | Semester 2 |
POLS520 | 2025 | New Zealand Government and Politics | 30 points | Semester 1 |
POLS521 | 2025 | Politics and Society | 30 points | Not offered in 2025 |
POLS540 | 2025 | International Relations Theory | 30 points | Semester 2 |
POLS541 | 2025 | International Relations and the Global South | 30 points | Semester 1 |
POLS550 | 2025 | Comparative Regional Conflicts | 30 points | Semester 2 |
POLS590 | 2025 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026) |
Email politics@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/politics
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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