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Student resources and activities

Help with choosing papers for the BSc majoring in Neuroscience

Diagram of major subject requirements and optional papers according to fields of study in Neuroscience (PDF)

Contact Student Development for course advice

Course advice: How to structure your programme

Interested in studying Medicine?

If you are interested in medicine, you should enrol in Health Sciences First Year (HSFY). You can decide at a later point if you want to change your degree to a BSc majoring in Neuroscience. It is also possible to enter medicine through the graduate category.

Seek advice from the Otago Medical School about their entry requirements

Otago Neuroscience Students Association

The Otago Neuroscience Students Association (ONSA) has been established with the aim to support Neuroscience students within the University of Otago.

Find out more about ONSA's activities and support  

Working in a Neuroscience lab

It may be possible for you to work in a Neuroscience laboratory over the summer at the end of your second or third year. This is a great way to get insight into Neuroscience research and learn research techniques.

You will need to find a neuroscientist to supervise your research. They may also be able to advise you of any scholarships available in their department.

How to find a supervisor

Health Sciences Summer Research Scholarships may also be available.

Find out more about summer research scholarships

Undergraduate student exchange programme

As an undergraduate student enrolled in a BSc majoring in neuroscience, you may have the opportunity to do a semester overseas as part of the University's Student Exchange Programme at one of the approves partner universities, which offer neuroscience papers equivalent to Otago 300 level neuroscience papers. We recommend that students majoring in neuroscience go on exchange in their third year. Students pay standard tuition fees to Otago and receive credits towards their Otago qualification. Scholarships are available and students continue to receive StudyLink loans and allowances.

Visit the Otago Global Student Exchange page for more information

Career opportunities

To become a neuroscientist, you would complete postgraduate studies following your BSc. With a BSc(Hons), postgraduate diploma, or master's degree you could have an exciting research career in a university, research institute, or in the pharmaceutical industry. With a PhD, you could be a leader in new research and combine this with teaching at a university or in a research institution.

Neuroscience also provides a convenient first degree for those proceeding to postgraduate specialisation in professional or applied fields. For example, law, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, audiology, and bioengineering.

Graduates with a BSc in Neuroscience possess valuable skills that are widely sought after by employers, including technical expertise in areas where there is a worldwide shortage of skilled workers.

Alumni information

Remain part of the Neuroscience alumni community and receive news and information about events that you may like to attend.

Email database.alumni@otago.ac.nz with the following information:

  • Full name
  • Contact details
  • Current employment or study

Find out more about Alumni & Friends of the University of Otago

Scholarships at Otago

Student support on campus

Do you need on-going support, or just a little advice to help in your study or personal life? The University of Otago offers resources and services in a variety of areas:

  • The Māori Centre provides assistance to Māori students in all facets of University life.
  • The Pacific Islands Centre is a welcoming environment designed to help all students of Pacific descent to make the most of their time at Otago.
  • The International Office offers a full range of services from recruitment and admission to the pastoral care of international students.
  • The Disability Information and Support Office provides learning support, advice, advocacy and information to students with permanent, recurring or temporary impairments.
  • The Student Learning Centre provides academic support, free of charge, to all students studying at Otago.
  • The Career Development Centre is a one-stop career resource for students and employers.
  • Student Health is a team of qualified professionals providing high quality health care to students of the University of Otago.
  • Locals provides support for first year students living locally: flatting, boarding, or living at home.
  • Student Development provides course advice and connects students to services around the University,

Complete list of Services and Support

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