Overview
We offer a choice of three high quality undergraduate degree courses in Geography to suit the different needs and interests of our students.
We present both a balanced overview of the contemporary study of human and physical geography and also a wide spectrum of research-led teaching, with an emphasis on scientific, analytical and critical content.
After the First Year course, students choose from among a variety of pathways, allowing for specialisation in human geography only, physical geography only, or a mix of the two. These pathways are then followed beyond first year to graduation.
Major in Geography
At Otago, Geography may be taken as the major subject for the degree of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. In addition many students enrol for undergraduate papers in Geography while pursuing professional studies in Botany, Commerce, Education, Geology, Law, Physical Education, Surveying and Tourism.
Major in Environmental Management
Environmental Management is a major subject in the Bachelor of Applied Science and is taught by the School of Geography.
Minor in Environment and Society
Environment and Society is a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BHealSc or BASc degree and is taught/administered by the School of Geography.
Find out more about the Environment and Society minor
Field Courses
All Geography majors take part in field courses that may involve several days in the field away from Dunedin (at 200- and 300-level). These are a popular feature of the Geography programme and provide a valuable opportunity to apply your learning to the real world.
Find out more about Geography Field Courses
Choosing which papers to take
Papers offered in the School of Geography draw on our research. We offer undergraduate papers (formal lectures) from 100- to 300-level papers.
Schedule and list of Geography papers we offer
If you have any questions about our courses after viewing the information – you should in the first instance, contact the following course advisers:
- Professor Sean Fitzsimons
Senior Science Course Adviser: Undergraduate Courses (100-300 level)
Email sean.fitzsimons@otago.ac.nz - Professor Etienne Nel
Senior Arts Course Adviser: Undergraduate Courses (100-300 level)
Email etienne.nel@otago.ac.nz - Associate Professor Mike Hilton
Senior Environmental Management Adviser
Email mike.hilton@otago.ac.nz
The above staff can advise you about course-related matters during the academic year.
If you cannot one of these advisers immediately (e.g. staff may be in the field or on leave), then contact:
The School of Geography administrator
Email geography@otago.ac.nz
Application information for prospective students
If you are a New Zealand or Australian Citizen or permanent resident and want to study at undergraduate level then please read:
Application information at for New Zealand students at undergraduate level
If you are an international student and want to study at undergraduate level then please read:
Application information for International students at undergraduate level
Programme Requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Geography
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | GEOG101 Physical Geography | 18 18 |
| 200-level | GEOG280 Research Methodology in Human Geography | 18 36 |
| 300-level | GEOG380 Field Research Studies | 18 54 |
| 198 further points, must include 54 points at 200-level or above Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | 198 | |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Geography
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | GEOG101 Physical Geography | 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | GEOG290 Field Research Methods | 18 18
|
| 300-level | GEOG380 Field Research Studies Two of GEOG387, GEOG388, GEOG389, GEOG390, GEOG392, GEOG393, GEOG394 GEOG395, GEOG398, GEOG399 One further 300-level GEOG paper | 18 18 |
| 180 further points, must include 54 points at 200-level or above Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science | 180 | |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) majoring in Environmental Management
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | ENVI 111 Environment and Society GEOG101 Physical Geography GEOG102 Human Geography one of MATH160 Mathematics 1 MATH170 Mathematics 2 STAT 110 Statistical Methods | 18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | GEOG216 Resource Evaluation and Planning GEOG290 Field Research Methods (Science) Two of GEOG281, GEOG282, GEOG283, GEOG284, GEOG286, GEOG287, GEOG288 GEOG289, GEOG298, GEOG399 | 18 18 36 |
| 300-level | GEOG380 Field Research Studies GEOG397 Environmental Management Two of GEOG387, GEOG388, GEOG389, GEOG390, GEOG392, GEOG393, GEOG394 GEOG395, GEOG398, GEOG399 | 18 18 36 |
| 144 further points, including either requirements for an approved minor or approved second major subject or other approved papers | 144 | |
| Total | 360 |
Minor Subject Requirements
Geography (Arts Option) as a minor for a BA
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | GEOG101 Physical Geography GEOG102 Human Geography | 18 18 |
| 200-level | Two 200-level GEOG papers (excluding GEOG290) | 36 |
| 300-level | One 300-level GEOG paper (excluding GEOG380) | 18 |
| Total | 90 |
Geography (Science Option) as a minor for the BSc
| Level | ||
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | GEOG101 Physical Geography GEOG102 Human Geography | 18 18 |
| 200-level | Two of GEOG216, GEOG281, GEOG282, GEOG284, GEOG285, GEOG 286, GEOG287, GEOG288, GEOG289, GEOG290, GEOG298, GEOG299 | 36 |
| 300-level | One of GEOG387, GEOG388, GEOG389, GEOG390, GEOG392, GEOG393, GEOG394, GEOG395, GEOG397, GEOG398, GEOG399 | 18 |
| Total | 90 |
Environmental Management as a minor for the BAppSc
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | ENVI 111 Environment and Society GEOG101 Physical Geography | 18 18 |
| 200-level | GEOG216 Resource Evaluation and Planning | 18 |
| 300-level | GEOG397 Environmental Management One of GEOG281, GEOG282, GEOG283, GEOG284, GEOG285, GEOG286, GEOG 287, GEOG288, GEOG289, GEOG298, GEOG299, GEOG387, GEOG388, GEOG 389, GEOG390, GEOG392, GEOG393, GEOG394, GEOG395, GEOG398, GEOG399 | 18 18 |
| Total | 90 |
