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    Want a degree with real global impact? Study tourism, languages and cultures and open doors across the world.

    Why study Tourism, Languages and Cultures?

    Ready to explore how people travel, communicate and connect across borders? In this major you’ll blend tourism management with language skills and cultural understanding.

    The tourism industry is global, fast-moving and full of opportunity, and employers are looking for graduates who can speak another language, navigate cultural nuances and see the big picture. At Otago you’ll dive into real-world tourism issues: Destinations, events, sustainability and community impact, while developing confidence in one of the languages we teach.

    You’ll graduate with practical skills for tourism and a deep ability to engage across cultures, adapt to global markets and contribute to communities locally and internationally.

    Career opportunities

    This major gives you a powerful toolkit for a wide range of careers. Whether you see yourself working in New Zealand or abroad, your blend of tourism insights and cultural-language competence will open doors.

    Exciting career pathways include:

    • Destination or regional tourism development officer
    • Events and conference coordinator with a global focus
    • Cultural and heritage tourism specialist
    • Corporate travel, hospitality or tourism marketing manager
    • Language-enabled tourism consultant in international markets

    How you will learn

    You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, tutorials and smaller language classes, combining theory and hands-on work.

    At Otago you’ll work on real projects, engage with local communities and strengthen your language skills in interactive settings. You’ll have the opportunity to attend an overseas institution for one or two semesters, and you may also gain practical experience in a workplace through internship opportunities.

    You’ll collaborate with classmates from diverse backgrounds, bringing fresh cultural perspectives to group projects and exploring how tourism works in different contexts.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    Students do not require any particular background to enrol in this subject, and do not need to have studied a language previously. Those students who have existing language skills will be assessed and placed in classes at an appropriate level.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    You’re not just learning about the world – you’re getting ready to shape it

    At Otago we offer an outstanding learning environment, expert staff and a university with global recognition. Our Department of Tourism is ranked among New Zealand’s top institutions for tourism study, and the Department of Languages and Cultures offers programmes from beginner to advanced levels –  there’s no prior experience needed.

    Based in Dunedin, you’ll join a vibrant student community in a city known for its heritage, nature and lively culture. There are also opportunities for overseas exchange and internships that let you put your learning into action while still completing your degree on time.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level TOUR 101 Introduction to Tourism 18
    TOUR 102 Global Tourism 18
    200-level TOUR 217 Tourist Behaviour 18
    TOUR 218 Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise Management 18
    TOUR 219 Destination Management 18
    300-level Two of TOUR 301, TOUR 303, TOUR 305, TOUR 306 , TOUR 328   36
    Plus 234 further points comprising:
    • 126 points of approved language and/or culture papers, including a minimum of two language acquisition papers in one particular language (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Māori) and including at least two further 300-level papers drawn from the offerings of the Department of Languages and Cultures and/or Te Tumu, the School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies
    • One additional 18-point paper from either Tourism or Languages and Cultures
    • Further Arts papers worth 90 points
    		 234
    Notes: At least 90 of these 234 points must be at 200-level or above.
    Students with previous experience of a second language will be placed in language papers appropriate to their level.     		 
    Total 360

    More information

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    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.

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