Study History at Otago

Why study History?

Above all, History investigates human societies across time and space and few things are more fascinating. Studying History is about questioning the past imaginatively. Historians take nothing for granted: they search behind the façade of the present to uncover multiple ‘truths’ about the past.

Yet History is also firmly grounded in the realities of daily life, and doing History helps prepare you for almost any conceivable career. In the rapidly changing world of the twenty-first century, it is more important than ever to understand human diversity and the complexity of social structures, and to understand why they change. Because of its broad-ranging nature, no discipline is better suited to this task than History.

The historian’s skills of research, analysis, synthesis, and communication are also essential in the modern job market. History graduates work in a range of exciting fields that are as diverse as History itself.

Career opportunities

Employers value History graduates for their ability to research, analyse, and communicate. History graduates know how to deal with large amounts of information and sift out the essential. As well as becoming teachers and researchers, historians find jobs in areas ranging from journalism and public affairs to management and finance.

Examples of positions held by Otago History graduates include: Analyst, Wigram Capital Advisors; Diplomat, New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa; Community Engagement Executive, Movember Foundation; History curator, Te Papa Tongarewa; Curator Human History, Canterbury Museum; Digital Content Analyst, University of Canterbury; Historian, Waitangi Tribunal; Data Analyst, AgResearch; Event and Marketing Manager, Southland Chamber of Commerce; Social Media and Content Analyst, Bank of New Zealand; Freelance Book Publicist; Heritage Advisor, Heritage New Zealand.

Background required

All students are welcome to study History at Otago. No prior knowledge is needed – all you need is curiosity about the past. Even if you don’t choose it as a major, doing some History papers will help you understand the world, and complements virtually any other major. 

Teaching style

Consistently ranking among the top 100 departments worldwide, at Otago you will be taught by lecturers who are at the forefront of their research fields internationally.

We are very committed to our students and are well-loved for the high levels of care we provide.

We put a great deal of effort into preparing students for their working lives after university, and regularly offer career-oriented talks and social gatherings.

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)
• Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
• Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
• Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework))
• Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Key information for future students

• Domestic students
• International students

Contact us

History Programme
Email history@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/history

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2021 Calendar and supplementary material.