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Postgraduate Study in Politics

    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.


    Are you just starting uni?

    Learn about studying Politics 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, Master’s, 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.

    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.

    Thesis
    • Thesis: POLS 5

    PapersPoints
    POLS 501 The 'Political': Theory and Practice30
    Three further 500-level POLS papers90
    POLS 590 Research Dissertation60

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    POLS papers

    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)

    Contacts

    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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