Career opportunities
Studying Management opens doors, whether you end up in a smaller start-up, a global business, a not-for-profit or even launch your own idea. You’ll find Management graduates working in areas such as:
- Organisational development or change management
- Project coordination or operations management
- Entrepreneurship or new venture creation
- Strategy, consulting or business analytics
- Leadership in non-profit, government or corporate teams
Master the art of Management
Explore the flexibility of a Management degree at Otago. Hear from students and professors about the diverse career opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, and how management skills can change the world.
Read transcript
Quinn Pooley:
Hey, so I’m Quinn. What I love about the University of Otago is the flexibility. I changed from Health Science to Management and Finance, and that’s something you really need to keep in mind when choosing a university.
From this, I’ve been able to learn all aspects of business and management, which gives you a great understanding going forward, whether it’s for your other parts of your degree or any career path.
Jess Lucas:
Hi, my name is Jess, and I chose the University of Otago mostly because of the amazing student culture here. You’ve literally got everyone living within one square kilometre apart, from the university, and it’s just so easy to get to know other people.
In terms of Management, I enjoyed learning how to stand my ground in negotiation. In the future, I can now negotiate my pay raise or my future salary, which is actually very helpful. So, if Otago has something for you, do come check it out. I’ve had the best time here.
Associate Professor Conor O'Kane:
My name is Conor O'Kane, and I’m an associate professor of Management in Otago Business School. So, why should students consider studying management? Management offers a huge variety and choice, allowing students to experiment across a wide range of areas. Then, depending on their own interests and passion, they can specialise in areas such as international management, sustainability, human resource management, and entrepreneurship.
Management is all about people and culture. Consistent with that focus, right across all our papers, we create fun, inclusive, and cutting-edge learning experiences. Students can undertake a range of experiential exercises, including simulations, site visits, live case debates, and real-life industry consultancy projects, including with non-profits.
In Management, we are hugely committed to developing creative, socially responsible, and highly capable graduates who will go on to make a positive contribution in the world. Our graduates are not only equipped to start their own new ventures through the study of innovation and entrepreneurship, but they are also well-equipped to make a positive, value-adding contribution to other organisations. They develop skills such as operations, strategy, sustainability, human resource management, ethics, and leadership, just to name a few.
So, who should consider studying Management? You should study Management if you are interested in problem-solving, working with others, forming and improving relationships, or improving business processes and development. Ultimately, if you want to work in an organisation that can make a positive contribution to the world, we’re confident that in Management, we can give you the skills to achieve that.
How you will learn
You’ll learn through lectures, tutorials, and hands-on exercises that develop both strategic insight and people skills. Study topics like leadership, sustainability, operations, and innovation through simulations, case studies, site visits, and projects with real clients. Many students also take part in internships, exchanges, or community-based projects.
In your first year, you'll build a strong foundation in business and people management. As you progress, you’ll gain communication, analytical, and ethical decision-making skills.
Flexible pathways let you tailor your degree to your interests, from human resources and entrepreneurship to international management and social responsibility.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
There are no formal prerequisites to study Management. Because of the importance of communication, NCEA level 3 English is recommended but not essential.
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.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Commerce along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Management
Explore postgraduate study in Management at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a supp...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasA Management degree employers notice
Management at Otago is about more than business – it’s about people, culture, and creating positive change. With a focus on creativity, ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility, you’ll learn to make a meaningful impact in organisations and communities.
Real-world learning is at the heart of the programme, with opportunities to work on consultancy projects, site visits, debates, and simulations. Many papers involve real clients and industry partners, helping you build networks, skills, and confidence.
Taught by internationally recognised researchers and experienced practitioners, the programme covers leadership, communication, organisational behaviour, strategy, and innovation. You can tailor your studies to areas that inspire you most.
Whether you aim to work in business, government, the not-for-profit sector, or start your own venture – a Management degree from Otago equips you to lead with purpose, adaptability, and insight.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | MANT 101 Managing for Performance | 18 |
| BSNS 111 Business and Society | 18 | |
| 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 | 72 | |
| 200-level | MANT 250 Managing People | 18 |
| MANT 251 Managing Organisations | 18 | |
| One further 200-level MANT paper | 18 | |
| 300-level | One of MANT 338 Cases in Strategy and Innovation, MANT 342 Global Business Strategy or MANT 345 Strategic Human Resource Management | 18 |
| Three other 300-level MANT papers | 54 | |
| Plus | 126 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Commerce. | 126 |
| 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 normally 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: (a) the paper has been passed before the student has enrolled for a BCom degree; or (b) a student is enrolling for both a BCom and another degree for which STAT 110 or STAT 115 is required. Any student who completed PTWY 111 before enrolling in the BCom degree shall be exempt from the requirement to complete BSNS 113. Any student who has completed PTWY 112 before enrolling in the BCom degree shall be exempt from the requirement to complete BSNS 114. A candidate completing the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws is able to satisfy the CPA/CAANZ accreditation requirements by substituting: a) LAWS 202, LAWS 203, LAWS 204, LAWS 301 and LAWS 407 in place of BLAW 211 and BLAW 212 b) LAWS 416 in place of ACTP 312. | ||
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
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 Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), 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 | MANT 101 Managing for Performance | 18 |
| Above 100-level | MANT 250 Managing People, or MANT 251 Managing Organisations Three further MANT papers including at least one at 300-level | 18 54 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
MANT papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MANT101 | 2026 | Managing for Performance | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT217 | 2026 | International Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT222 | 2026 | Interpersonal/International Business Communication | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT250 | 2026 | Managing People | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT251 | 2026 | Managing Organisations | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT252 | 2026 | Developing Responsible Leadership | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT301 | 2026 | Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT303 | 2026 | Fundamentals in Entrepreneurship | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT330 | 2026 | Leadership and Change | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT331 | 2026 | Business Ethics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT332 | 2026 | International Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT333 | 2026 | Organisational Excellence | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT334 | 2026 | Operations and Supply Chain Strategy | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT337 | 2026 | Organisations and Sustainability | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT338 | 2026 | Cases in Strategy and Innovation | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT339 | 2026 | Human Resource Development | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT340 | 2026 | Indigenous Management and Organisation | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT342 | 2026 | Global Business Strategy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT345 | 2026 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT346 | 2026 | Employment Relations | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT347 | 2026 | Occupational Psychology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT358 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT359 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT360 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT361 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT437 | 2026 | Organisations and Sustainability | 20 points | Semester 1, 1st Non standard period (23 February 2026 - 22 May 2026) |
| MANT447 | 2026 | Contemporary Issues in Sustainable Business | 20 points | Semester 2, 1st Non standard period (20 July 2026 - 16 October 2026) |
| MANT450 | 2026 | Governance and Social Responsibility | 20 points | Semester 1, 1st Non standard period (7 September 2026 - 4 December 2026) |
| MANT459 | 2026 | Indigenous Management & Organisation (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT471 | 2026 | International Business Strategy | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| MANT472 | 2026 | Managing International Organisations | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| MANT501 | 2026 | Applied Project | 40 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT543 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| MANT551 | 2026 | Strategic Change and Innovation | 20 points | Semester 1, 1st Non standard period (5 January 2026 - 3 April 2026) |
| MANT553 | 2026 | Human Resource Management | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (23 November 2026 - 8 January 2027) |
| MANT555 | 2026 | Leadership Development | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (26 October 2026 - 12 February 2027) |
| MANT556 | 2026 | Global Operations Excellence | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (12 January 2026 - 13 February 2026) |
More information
Have a question or need support? AskOtago can connect you with the right team for personalised help.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
Not sure what to study?
Take our short quiz to uncover study options matched to your background and interests.
Take the quiz