History is the study of how and why the past has meaning in the present.
History moves like tectonic plates: both imperceptibly, and with astonishing ruptures. What counts as historical truth in a world of 'fake news' and 'alternative facts'? Studying history provides students with a deep sense of the ways time has shaped today's complex world, and the intellectual tools to tackle an appealing array of professional and career challenges.
Our Michael King Memorial Lecture, “The Last Prince of Ngāti Mamoe tribes – a reassertion of mana”, was delivered by Dr Megan Pōtiki, Acting Executive Director of Otago Polytechnic, on Thursday, 27 March 2025.
For more information and to watch a video of the event, please see our Annual lectures page:
Career opportunities
History graduates enter a wide range of professions, including government service, industry, all levels of teaching, journalism, broadcasting, museum and library work. Our graduates have the ability to collect and analyse data and write clear, coherent and balanced assessments, together with the ability to think independently, flexibly and objectively. As artificial intelligence takes over much mundane work, these unique 'humanities' skills are increasingly sought after by high-quality employers.
We specialise in the histories of New Zealand, the Pacific, Asia, Europe, Britain and Ireland, and North America.
Qualifications
Postgraduate and research
Quick links
Head of Programme
Undergraduate enquiries
Postgraduate enquiries
Contact us
- Address
- 2nd Floor Arts 1 (Burns) Building
History programme
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin 9054
New Zealand - Tel
- +64 3 479 8606
- history@otago.ac.nz