The Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Otago is a three-year undergraduate degree that enables students to develop their interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. 

In addition, students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as topics from different disciplines across the University.

Animals, how they live and interact.

Did you know that New Zealand’s only mammals were bats and seals, until about 1000 years ago? Animals are fascinating and there is so much to learn about them – the Zoology courses at Otago will blow your mind.

Zoology is the study of animals, their behavior, their physiology, and evolution, as well as their interactions with each other and with their environment. 

Zoologists also study how animals evolved and the impact of environmental change on their survival. 

They search for ways to manage wildlife populations and conserve rare and endangered species, such as takahe, frogs, and tuatara. 

They study the costs and benefits of conservation and ways to enhance species' survival.

Why study Zoology at Otago?

You get to work in all sorts of spectacular environments and have the opportunity to explore all sorts of places where there is animal life, like mountains, grasslands, oceans, fiords, and wetlands. 

There are lots of travel opportunities with Zoology – check out the university graduate profiles! Zoology is a global science that will take you to all corners of the world.

New Zealand has its own unique animal life and it’s a great place to study zoology and other environmental sciences. It’s also one of the most interdisciplinary subjects. 

Staff in Zoology include ecologists, physiologists, developmental biologists, geneticists, evolutionary biologists, mathematicians, and even filmmakers. 

In our modern world, it is more important than ever that we restore and manage our environment. Zoologists can help to do that.

• Academic Transcripts
• Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE) (If required)
• Proof of your identity (Full name, date of birth, and nationality)
• Certified/notarised copy (passport or birth certificate)
• English Language Proficiency (If Available)

Undergraduate entrance requirements

The university recognizes many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance. 

To check if the university recognizes your previous studies, determine the country where you gained the qualification. Countries entrance requirements example:

China entrance requirements:

Senior High School graduation and one year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing; 
Or Senior High School graduation and completion of a diploma with high passing grades at a recognized institute or university.

Students with the requisite scores in Gaokao may be given direct entry to bachelor degree programme.

India entrance requirements:

Minimum overall average of 75% in the All India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum of 70% in English.

The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.

Iran entrance requirements:

One year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing, or successful completion of a University of Otago Foundation Year programme or equivalent.

The university also accepts the following international qualifications:

• International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Advanced Levels: minimum Numerical Score of 8.
• Northern Consortium United Kingdom (NCUK) International Foundation Year (IFY)
• Satisfactory completion of one year's study at a recognized tertiary institution.

Background required

There are no special requirements.

Pathway programme

Study in your chosen subject area and gain a university entrance qualification

The University of Otago Pathway programme offers a university entrance qualification within two 13-week semesters for domestic and international students. It is called the Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC).