The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is the University of Otago's most flexible undergraduate degree program.

It is usually undertaken over three years of full-time or its equivalent in part-time study.

People, places and the environment.

Geographers study the physical and human environment, including the biological processes that shape the natural environment, the social and cultural processes that explain patterns of human activity, and the interactions between human activity and the natural world.

Geography also explores key environmental and development challenges, such as climate change and inequality, and the potential solutions to these problems. 

Geography helps us manage human activity and secure the future of our planet.

A Geography degree at Otago will equip you with valuable research and communication skills using interdisciplinary approaches to explore environmental and societal challenges. 

This combination of practical skills and theoretical learning will serve you well no matter the career you choose.

Why study Geography?

Geography provides a bridge between the arts and the sciences, addressing issues at the local, regional, national and global scales. 

A Geography degree at Otago provides training through lectures and fieldwork in the environments in which we work.

Geography papers fit well into almost any degree and the School of Geography has strong links with many other disciplines including Geology, Surveying, Agricultural Innovation, and sustainability research (Centre for Sustainability).

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

• 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 subjects you have to have done in order to study Geography – you don’t even need to have studied it at school.

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).