Study Geography at Otago

Why study Geography?

Geography provides a bridge between the arts and the sciences, addressing issues at the regional, national and global scale. With a Geography degree at Otago you’re out in the field from the very start, getting practical experience in the environments you study.

Geography papers fit well into almost any degree and we have strong links with many other disciplines including; geology, surveying, tourism and sustainability research (Centre for Sustainability).

The mix of analytical and communication skills combined with practical experience make Otago Geography graduates highly sought-after in a wide range of industries.

Career opportunities

Geography graduates enjoy an unusually large number of career options.

For example:

• There are opportunities in Central Government for Geography graduates across a wide range of ministries and departments, including researching and writing reports and developing and monitoring policy in areas such as environment, agriculture, tourism and the economy
• Roles in Local Government in areas such as planning and conservation, environmental monitoring, natural hazards or identifying new areas for business development
• Private sector jobs in marketing, tourism and transport, planning and resource consultancy

Background required

There are no subjects you have to have done in order to study Geography – you don’t even need to have studied it at school.

Geography at Otago

The undergraduate programme provides a firm grounding in the social, economic and physical aspects of the environment.

The study of Geography falls into three main areas:

• Human Geography in which students study theoretical frameworks and contemporary issues surrounding economic, social, cultural and political geography, as shown in urban, rural development and regional contexts
• Physical Geography in which students study various environmental topics, which together make up the fundamentals of this branch of the discipline: geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, hydrology and soil science. Each is investigated in terms of process, resource potential and sensitivity to human interference
• Environmental Management in which students gain a theoretical and practical understanding of environmental processes such as climatology, geomorphology, biogeography, hydrology and soil science. This area incorporates sustainable development, integrated resource management and environmental planning and policy

Teaching style

Geography papers are taught in a range of ways. Students attend lectures, tutorials and labs, and also gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and practical courses in research methods.

Qualifications

Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
• Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
• Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
• Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
• Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
• Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework))
• Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Key information for future students

• Domestic students
• International students

Contact us

School of Geography
Email geography@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/geography

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2021 Calendar and supplementary material.