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.

Global learning leads to global careers.

Globalization has changed the workplace. Today, every employer needs graduates who are not just well qualified and highly motivated but are also able to put their professional skills to work in a thoroughly globalized environment. 

The Global Studies major is a multidisciplinary course of study created precisely to address this need.

Unique to the Global Studies major at Otago is its emphasis on applied learning. 

You will be advised by a Global Studies mentor to select from a broad range of papers and personalize the course of study that best suits your chosen career pathway.

In your final year, you will be able to work on individual projects and have the opportunity to complete an internship either locally or internationally – with governmental institutions, NGOs, or in the private sector.

One of:

• GLBL 303  Applied Research Project
• HUMS 301  Internship Practicum

• 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

Studying Global Studies at Otago assumes no prior disciplinary knowledge.

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).