Tourism at Otago goes beyond conventional thinking and explores all aspects of the industry.
Focusing on local and international perspectives you will understand the big picture as well as the day-to-day operations. Study tourism at Otago and you’ll be immersed in a rich, multicultural environment.
You’ll be all set to really discover what the world has to offer. Be a part of the future of tourism in New Zealand and shape the international stage.
Why study Tourism?
The tourism sector offers you the opportunity to drive change and innovation, while focusing on sustainable practices and mutual benefit for local communities. It is as dynamic as it is diverse. Tourism is a critical element of the New Zealand economy and has been earmarked by the Prime Minister as a key sector of the economy that continues to play a leading role in New Zealand’s economic development. It is about unlocking the potential of tourism places, managing natural and built resources, understanding heritage and cultural issues, developing events and co-creating experiences that leave a lasting impression on locals and visitors alike.
The study of tourism is about understanding tourism and hospitality, and being well placed to manage tourism – be it at the level of business, destination or government – for sustained success. Tourism is also about practical things like hospitality, planning, managing and marketing. Being part of the Bachelor of Commerce, you will gain solid skills in business alongside knowledge of the societal and environmental implications of tourism. By the end of your degree, you’ll enter a resilient industry with multiple dynamic opportunities for graduates.
Background required
There are no formal prerequisites needed to study tourism at 100-level. However English, geography and tourism at secondary school (NCEA) are useful background subjects. Tourism is for those passionate about understanding the links between people, travel, the environment and society.
Career opportunities
The industry needs motivated, educated people who understand the wider environmental, social and economic issues affecting tourism businesses. With the broad business education gained by Otago graduates, your opportunities are global.
Areas you can work in include:
- Adventure tourism
- Customer relations
- Events and conference co-ordination
- Heritage, museums, art galleries
- Hotel management
- Regional and government tourism organisations
- Sales and marketing
- Visitor services
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
- Bachelor of Commerce with Honours (BCom(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom)
- Master of Commerce (MCom)
- Master of Tourism (MTour)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) majoring in Tourism
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | TOUR 101 Introduction to Tourism TOUR 102 Global Tourism or TOUR 103 Introduction to Hospitality BSNS 111 Business and Society, BSNS 112 Interpreting Business Data, BSNS 113 Economic Principles and Policy, BSNS 114 Financial Decision Making, BSNS 115 Accounting and Information Systems – must normally be taken in first year of study | 18 18 90 |
| 200-level | TOUR 217 Tourist Behaviour TOUR 218 Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise Management TOUR 219 Destination Management | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Four 300-level TOUR papers | 72 |
| Plus | 108 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Commerce. | 108 |
Every programme must include BSNS 111-115. At least three of these papers must be passed before enrolling in any 200-level Commerce paper, and all must be passed before enrolling in any 300-level Commerce paper. For single-degree BCom students, all five must be attempted in the first year of study or equivalent. STAT 110 or STAT 115 will be accepted as an alternative to BSNS 112 as a required paper or as part of the major subject requirements or as a prerequisite when: | ||
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Commerce with Honours (BCom(Hons)) in Tourism
| Papers |
|---|
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Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) endorsed in Tourism
| Papers required |
|---|
|
Note: Endorsement may require enrolment in papers totalling more than 120 points, depending on the extent of prior study in relevant subjects and whether the student wishes to be eligible for postgraduate study in the subject of endorsement.
Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom) in Tourism
| Papers |
|---|
|
Master of Commerce (MCom) in Tourism
| Thesis |
|---|
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Master of Tourism (MTour)
| Papers |
|---|
The 180 point programme of study shall consist of three compulsory papers:
Plus papers to the equivalent of 80 points from:
A maximum of 20 points may be included from non-Tourism electives at 400-level. |
Minor subject requirements
Tourism as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, 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 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 | TOUR 101 Introduction to Tourism | 18 |
| Above 100-level | TOUR 219 Destination Management Three of: including at least one 300-level paper | 18 54 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a selection of on-campus papers will be made available via distance and online learning for eligible students.
Find out which papers are available and how to apply on our COVID-19 website
| Paper code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOUR101 | 2023 | Introduction to Tourism | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer School |
| TOUR102 | 2023 | Global Tourism | 18 points | Semester 2, Summer School |
| TOUR103 | 2023 | Introduction to Hospitality | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR214 | 2023 | Introduction to Wine Business | 18 points | Summer School |
| TOUR216 | 2023 | Sport Tourism | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR217 | 2023 | Tourist Behaviour | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR218 | 2023 | Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise Management | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR219 | 2023 | Destination Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR221 | 2023 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| TOUR301 | 2023 | Cultural and Heritage Tourism | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR303 | 2023 | Tourist Accommodation Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR304 | 2023 | Event and Conventions Management | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR305 | 2023 | Tourism Product Development | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR306 | 2023 | Ecotourism and Sustainable Development | 18 points | Semester 1, Summer School |
| TOUR310 | 2023 | Leisure: Lives and Societies | 18 points | Summer School |
| TOUR350 | 2023 | Special Topic: Heritage Interpretation in the Digital Age | 18 points | Summer School |
| TOUR351 | 2023 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| TOUR411 | 2023 | Tourist Culture | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR416 | 2023 | Tourism Entrepreneurship and Business | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR418 | 2023 | Tourism Destination Development | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR420 | 2023 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| TOUR421 | 2023 | Special Topic: Global Hospitality Operations | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR422 | 2023 | Tourism and Global Environmental Change | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR423 | 2023 | Advanced Tourism Concepts | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| TOUR424 | 2023 | Tourism Methods and Analysis | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR426 | 2023 | Event Management | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| TOUR427 | 2023 | Tourism and Development Ethnographic Field School | 20 points | Short Courses (inc. Field Trips) |
| TOUR480 | 2023 | Dissertation | 40 points | Full Year |
| TOUR590 | 2023 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, 1st Non standard period |
Key information for future students
Contact us
Department of Tourism
Otago Business School
Email tourism@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/tourism
