Global learning leads to global careers.
Globalisation has changed the workplace. Today, every employer needs graduates who are not just well qualified and highly motivated but are also able to put their professional skills to work in a thoroughly globalised environment. The Global Studies major is a multidisciplinary course of study created precisely to address this need.
Unique to the Global Studies major at Otago is its emphasis on applied learning. You will be advised by a Global Studies mentor to select from a broad range of papers and personalise the course of study that best suits your chosen career pathway.
In your final year, you will be able to work on individual projects and have the opportunity to complete an internship either locally or internationally – with governmental institutions, NGOs, or in the private sector.
Why study Global Studies?
Employers consistently rank the ability to understand other cultures among the most sought-after attributes in graduates. Through its multidisciplinary structure, which combines regional knowledge, multilingual skills and cultural competence, the major in Global Studies prepares students for the challenges of globalisation.
Learning to come to terms with issues of global importance is more than an intellectually rewarding exercise: it means taking part in ethically informed decision making in whatever field of study you choose to follow.
The three key components of the Global Studies major are:
- the core Global Studies (GLBL) papers
- the language-acquisition papers, and
- papers in the area you would like to focus on
Career opportunities
Our graduates will find exciting, challenging and highly rewarding careers in a broad range of jobs in New Zealand and around the world.
Your degree will give you a better chance of finding jobs in tourism, communications and creative industries, environmental and human rights organisations, commerce, foreign affairs, government and public administration. The possibilities are truly global.
Background required
Studying Global Studies at Otago assumes no prior disciplinary knowledge. The only thing you need to have is an open and inquisitive mind and a keen interest in issues of global importance.
Teaching style
Unique to the Global Studies major is its emphasis on applied learning. Each student is assigned a mentor who oversees the selection of a course of study within a specific area of concentration.
In your final year, you – with the mentors’ guidance/support – will work on individual projects, and are also offered the opportunity to complete internships with either local or international employers, in governmental institutions, NGOs, and private sectors.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Diploma in Global Cultures (DipGlobalC)
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
Papers
The list of the core Global Studies (GLBL) papers is below.
Language-acquisition papers
See the list of available papers in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Māori, Spanish.
Papers in the area (regional and career-pathway) you wish to focus on
See the list of available papers and contact the Global Studies co-ordinator to select your options.
Programme requirements
Diploma in Global Cultures (DipGlobalC)
| Papers |
|---|
and two of ASIA 201, ASIA 202, ASIA 301, ASIA 302, CHIN 241, CHIN 242, CHIN 243, CHIN 244, CHIN 342, CHIN 343, CHIN 344, GLBL 211 or GLBL 311, JAPA 242, JAPA 243, JAPA 244, JAPA 342, JAPA 343, JAPA 344, FREN 250, FREN 341, MFCO 316, SPAN 243, SPAN 250, SPAN 251, SPAN 341, SPAN 343, SPAN 350, SPAN 351, HIST 204, HIST 304 At least two papers must be at 300-level. |
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Global Studies
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | GLBL 101 Introduction to Intercultural Communication Three other approved papers at 100-level or above Two language-acquisition papers at 100-level or above* | 18 54 36 |
| 200-level | GLBL 201 Cultures of the Environment GLBL 202 A World of Stories: Global Storytelling in the Digital Age Two language-acquisition papers at 200-level or above* One further approved paper at 200-level or above | 18 18 36 18 |
| 300-level | One of: One language-acquisition paper at 300-level or above* Two other approved papers at 300-level or above | 18
18 36 |
| Plus | 90 further points At least 270 points must be taken from the Arts. At least 180 of the 360 points must be at 200-level or above. *Notes: | 90
|
| Total | 360 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLBL101 | 2022 | Introduction to Intercultural Communication | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GLBL201 | 2022 | Cultures of the Environment | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GLBL202 | 2022 | A World of Stories: Global Storytelling in the Digital Age | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GLBL211 | 2022 | Global China | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GLBL301 | 2022 | Cultures of the Environment (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GLBL302 | 2022 | A World of Stories: Global Storytelling in the Digital Age (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GLBL303 | 2022 | Applied Research Project | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| GLBL311 | 2022 | Global China (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
Key information for future students
Contact us
Professor Paola Voci, Global Studies Co-ordinator
Languages and Cultures Programme
Email global.studies@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/globalstudies
