Career opportunities
Your study in Pacific Studies opens paths where cultural insight, communication and real-world awareness matter. You’ll be ready to step into roles that make a difference.
Community development and liaison roles
- Policy analyst for Pacific affairs or indigenous development
- Education and youth work with Pacific communities
- Cultural project manager or heritage specialist
- Research or advocacy roles in NGOs, government or international organisations
Embrace culture, lead change
Discover Te Tumu – School of Māori, Pacific, and Indigenous Studies at Otago, where you’ll be immersed in language, history, and contemporary issues while fostering leadership, community, and a global perspective.
How you will learn
Offering a dynamic and hands-on learning experience, you’ll engage in lectures, discussions, research projects, and real-world learning opportunities that centre Pacific voices and perspectives.
You’ll be encouraged to think critically about the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of the Pacific world, while reflecting on your own place within it. Guest speakers, community engagement, and fieldwork will deepen your understanding of how Pacific knowledge is lived, shared, and applied today.
You’ll be challenged to analyse and critique the world around you, and to design research that develops open-minded, inclusive solutions to issues like climate change, resource management, agriculture, wellbeing and economic independence.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
No previous knowledge of Pacific cultures or languages is required.
Whether you’re connected to Pacific communities or exploring the region for the first time, this programme welcomes all students with an interest in histories, culture, and contemporary issues.
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 Arts (BA)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Arts 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 Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts 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
Bachelor of Sustainability (BSust)
A three-year degree with a core sustainability focus, combined with a major from Sciences, Commerce, or Arts and Social Sciences.
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 Pacific Studies
Explore postgraduate study in Pacific Studies at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasGovernment, politics and law
Gain skills and knowledge for decision-making, social issues, politics, and laws that impact Aotearoa and the world
History, philosophy, people and society
Understand the world by thinking deeply about people, cultures, and society – past, present, and future
Language and global cultures
Explore cultures, languages, and global issues to discover your place in an inclusive, sustainable world
Māori, Pacific and indigenous studies
Explore Māori, Pacific, and indigenous languages, heritage, and values to contribute positively to these communities
Explore the Pacific’s histories, cultures, and futures – and see how they shape the world we share
Pacific Islands Studies at Otago brings together expertise from across the humanities and social sciences to explore the past, present and future of Pacific communities.
You’ll engage with topics such as Pacific leadership, education, religion, art history and media – always grounded in the lived experiences and voices of Pacific peoples. You can also explore Māori culture and history, deepening your understanding of the shared and distinct experiences of Indigenous communities.
Core papers in Pacific Islands Studies connect with electives from subjects like Anthropology, History, Geography, Politics, Media and Communication, and Social Work. This flexibility lets you tailor your degree to your interests and career goals, while studying within a vibrant and supportive Pacific student community that makes Otago a home away from home.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | PACI 101 Pacific Societies | 18 |
|
One of: ANTH 103 Introduction to Anthropology ANTH 105 Global and Local Cultures HIST 107 New Zealand in the World from the 18th Century MAOR 102 Māori Society MFCO 102 Media, Power, Society PACI 102 Pacific Dance: An Introduction PACI 103 Languages and Cultures of the Pacific: An Introduction | 18 | |
| 200-level | PACI 201 Contemporary Pacific Island Issues | 18 |
| ANTH 204 Pacific and New Zealand Archaeology | 18 | |
|
One of: ANTH 205 Anthropology and the Contemporary Pacific ANTH 206 Anthropology of Globalisation GEOG 278 Geographies of the South Pacific HIST 206 An Introduction to Pacific History MAOR 207 Ngā Kōrero Nehe - Tribal Histories MFCO 212 Media and Intercultural Communication MUSI 268 Performance in Asia and the Pacific PACI 210 Special Topic: Pacific Education | 18 | |
| or approved Special Topic papers relevant to the Pacific Islands in ANTH, CHTH, GEOG, HIST, MAOR | ||
| 300-level | PACI 301 Gafa o Tagata Pasifika - Pacific Diaspora in New Zealand | 18 |
|
Three of: ANTH 327 Anthropology of Money GEOG 378 Geographies of the South Pacific HIST 337 Environmental History of the Pacific INDS 307 Ancient East Polynesian Histories MAOR 307 Te Tūtakitanga o Ngā Ao e Rua MFCO 318 Indigenous Media MUSI 368 Performance in Asia and the Pacific PACI 305 Peace and Conflict in the Pacific PACI 310 Special Topic: Pacific People, Climate Change and Power SOWK 303 Communities and Organisations - Analysis and Theory SOWK 304 Kaupapa Māori, and Indigenous Approaches to Social Work THEA 322 Theatre of Australasia | 54 | |
| or approved Special Topic papers relevant to the Pacific Islands in ANTH, CHTH, GEOG, HIST, MAOR | ||
| Plus | 198 further points; must include 54 further points at 200-level or above. | 198 |
| Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | ||
| 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 | PACI 101 Pacific Societies One of ANTH 103, ANTH 105, HIST 107, MAOR 102, MFCO 102, PACI 102, PACI 103 | 18 18 |
| 200-level | PACI 201 Contemporary Pacific Island Issues One of ANTH 204, ANTH 205, GEOG 278, HIST 206, MAOR 207, MFCO 212, MUSI 268, PACI 210, | 36 |
| 300-level | One of ANTH 316, GEOG 378, HIST 337, INDS 307, MAOR 307, MFCO 318, MUSI 368, PACI 301, PACI 305, PACI 310, POLS 320, SOWK 303, SOWK 304, THEA 322, | 18 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PACI papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PACI101 | 2026, 2027 | Pacific Societies | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PACI102 | 2026, 2027 | Pacific Dance: An Introduction | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| PACI103 | 2026, 2027 | Languages and Cultures of the Pacific: An Introduction | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PACI201 | 2026, 2027 | Contemporary Pacific Island Issues | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PACI210 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| PACI213 | 2027 | Pacific Education | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PACI301 | 2026, 2027 | Gafa o Tagata Pasifika - Pacific Diaspora in New Zealand | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PACI305 | 2026, 2027 | Peace and Conflict in the Pacific | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| PACI310 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| PACI401 | 2026, 2027 | Tinā Pasifika - Women in Polynesian Communities | 30 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| PACI402 | 2026, 2027 | Resource Conservation and Environment in the Pacific | 30 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| PACI405 | 2026, 2027 | Indigenous Leadership in the Pacific | 30 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| PACI410 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 30 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| PACI490 | 2026, 2027 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| PACI590 | 2026, 2027 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 19 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July 2027), 1st Non standard |
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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