Students who wish to specialise in Archaeology have to choose the major in Anthropology because there is no separate Archaeology major.
The BA(Hons) and Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts)
These two qualifications require the same programme of study. Students can undertake any combination of archaeology, social anthropology or biological anthropology papers.
It is also possible to take Anthropology in combination with another subject for the BA(Hons). In this case the programme of study must be negotiated between the student and the two departments concerned.
Please note: Papers taken under ARCH codes between the years 2013 and 2017 may be substituted for ANTH papers at the same level.
Applying for Admission to BA(Hons) or PGDipArts
Students considering applying for entry to BA(Hons) or PGDipArts are advised to discuss their intentions with members of academic staff in September or October of the year preceding 400-level study.
Transitional Arrangements
If you had already been admitted to the Honours programme under the old system (i.e. in 2011 or earlier) you will have been given the option of completing your degree under the old four year Honours degree regulations, or graduating with a BA at the end of 2012 and applying for entry to the one year Honours programme.
Get more information about the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and apply
Get more information about the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts and apply
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) in Anthropology
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) can be used for many purposes, and in some cases, effectively provides an additional major.
It requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above. The programme is designed for graduates and may be completed by full-time candidates in one year or by part-time candidates over more than one year.
Visit the Diploma for Graduates webpage for more information
Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP)
Be part of protecting and managing the diverse heritage and archaeological places of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
The Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP) is an applied, professional qualification – linking theory with practice – that aims to develop our future leaders' knowledge and experience in archaeological heritage management.
The management of our heritage and archaeological legacy is a growing sustainability issue. Currently, New Zealand has a need for qualified archaeologists to work in the heritage sector.
The MArchP focuses on the unique landscapes, cultures and policies of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands
It addresses the following areas:
- The management of New Zealand and Pacific cultural heritage places
- Working with Māori and Pasifika communities
- The application of archaeological approaches and methods within a heritage context
- Understanding the diverse relationships between people, places and the past
Flexible study options
The MArchP offers a great degree of flexibility, allowing students to tailor their learning to their personal circumstances. There are options to study full-time or part-time, and on campus or by distance.
Get more information about the MArchP and apply
Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Anthropology
The coursework option normally requires either one year or three semesters of full-time, or the equivalent in part-time, study and entails completion of papers and a dissertation. The normal admission requirement is a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in one of at least 24 subjects but admission on the basis of alternative qualifications and experience is possible. The dissertation is a major piece of supervised research of up to 20,000 words on a topic of current interest.
For their dissertation students may be supervised solely by programme staff or jointly with staff in another programme. Enquiries should be directed to:
Associate Professor Anne Ford
Postgraduate Co-ordinator
Email anne.ford@otago.ac.nz
Get more information about the Master of Arts (Coursework) and apply
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)) in Anthropology
Students may be supervised solely by programme staff or jointly with staff in another programme. Enquiries should be directed to:
Associate Professor Anne Ford
Postgraduate Co-ordinator
Email anne.ford@otago.ac.nz
This course can be taken either after completion of a BA, or, more usually, after completion of the BA(Hons) or PGDipArts. It normally involves from one to three years study.
Requirements
- For students with Bachelor of Arts: completion of the requirements for PGDipArts or BA(Hons), plus a thesis based upon original research by the candidate.
- For students with Bachelor of Arts with Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects: a thesis based upon original research by the candidate.
The requirements for an MA thesis are set out in the following statement from the Board of Graduate Studies:
"A thesis submitted for a Master's degree should contain the results of a piece of independent research which might reasonably be expected of a diligent and competent student after not less than twelve months of full time study. The thesis should demonstrate that the candidate has the ability to carry out research and/or the ability to carry out constructive criticism, and to report the results of such work clearly, accurately and succinctly. It is not required that the results represent a substantial contribution to knowledge in the field, or that the examiners agree with the findings."
During their course of study each MA candidate must present at least one seminar.
Admission
Admission to the course is subject to approval by the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) and requires the recommendation of the Archaeology programme. For students entering with only a BA qualification, admission to the MA thesis is conditional upon satisfactory completion of the papers requirement. Except with permission of the Head of Department, the minimum requirements for approval for admission to MA thesis are:
- final average grade of B+ or better in 400-level Anthropology papers a viable proposal for thesis
- a research agreement with one or more member of staff to provide thesis supervision.
Research proposal
Before applying for admission students should discuss potential thesis topics with their potential supervisor. Students are required to submit a research proposal in eVision as part of their application - programme staff will review this proposal before admission.
For advice on how to write your research proposal please consult our guidelines.
Applications for admission should normally reach the Division of Humanities office by 10 December if you wish to begin study at the start of the following academic year. However, applications can be submitted, and study may begin, at any time of the year.
Get more information about the Master of Arts (Thesis) and apply
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
This course is usually undertaken after completion of an MA, or in exceptional circumstances, after completion of a BA(Hons). It involves independent research over a period of at least two and a half years of full time study, and normally no more than six years.
Requirements
The degree is awarded on the basis of submission of a thesis of no more than 100,000 words, the requirements of which are set out as follows:
"The thesis should give clear evidence of the candidate's ability to carry out research, that the candidate has shown originality, and that the candidate has made a significant contribution to knowledge in the particular field. It is expected that some of the work in the thesis would be worthy of publication. The research should be of a kind which might reasonably be expected after three years full-time study."
During their course of study each candidate must present at least one seminar each year and provide a written progress report to their supervisor(s) at least once each year. This will form part of an annual progress report submitted to the Academic Registrar.
Admission
Registration as a PhD candidate is subject to approval of Senate, and requires the recommendation of the programme. In order to gain this recommendation a candidate must have:
- fulfilled the requirements for entry set out in the University Calendar
- an agreement with one or more member of staff to provide supervision;
- a viable proposal for thesis research submitted through eVision.
Proposals will be considered by a meeting of all teaching staff, which will advise the Head of Programme on the candidate's suitability for approval. Before applying for admission applicants should discuss potential thesis topics with their potential advisers. For advice on writing a proposal please consult our guidelines.
Get more information about the PhD and apply
Guidelines for research proposals for MA and PhD study
Go to the research proposal guidelines
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.