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.

What is Information Science?

Information Science sits at the intersection of technology, people, and organizations. 

It is a broad discipline that combines solid technical foundations with an understanding of how organizations use information.

Information scientists analyze, develop, integrate, test, and evaluate information systems. They also gather, prepare, model, and interpret data to support informed decision-making in organizations. 

Information systems are omnipresent – every organization depends on usable and reliable information systems.

Information Science is an exciting and rapidly changing discipline – it requires strong foundations and a lifelong approach to learning.

Teaching style

Your classes will consist of lectures, tutorials, and practical laboratories. In the third year, you will work on a team project with an industry partner.

Through practical lab work, the university teaching will prepare you for the ever-changing world of Information and Communication Technology.

• 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 formal prerequisites for studying Information Science. You do not need to have studied digital technologies at school. 

However, it is advantageous if you are interested in and have taken background subjects in Digital Technology, Science, Mathematics, Accounting or English.

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).