Course advice and degree planning for new and returning students
It can be hard deciding which subject to study, or what qualification will help you achieve your goals.
Taking some time to organise your own study plans or talking with Otago's course advice experts from Student Development will help you map out your study plans with confidence. Making a plan and discussing your study options with the experts will:
- Help you make decisions
- Show you where and how to start
- Organise your plans
- Help ensure you complete your qualification in a reasonable time
- Match your course with your goals
Make a plan
Maybe you already know what you want to study. That's great. Now you need to plan your first year.
We've put together some tools to help you plan your study so you're on the right track from the start.
Get expert advice
Maybe you don't even know where to begin or you're starting to feel like you've made a big mistake taking so many papers a semester. No worries. You don't need to figure it all out by yourself.
Course advice and planning is available as many times as you need throughout your time at Otago – even before you get here.
Course advice from Student Development is available throughout the year near the AskOtago Central Hub in the Central Library (ISB Building).
First-year and current students
If you're unsure you're doing the right course, are considering a change, or simply want to check in with someone, talking with an experienced student adviser can help get you on a track that's right for you. Student advisers from Student Development can help connect you with other student support services available at Otago – whatever you need, to help you succeed.
An adviser will talk with you to answer your questions, listen and offer advice on:
- Study options
- Personalised degree structures
- Changing your course of study
- Student support services that you may not be aware of
Appointments are usually 30 minutes so there's plenty of time to talk through all your questions. You can also come back as many times as you need.
Other ways to seek advice
Attend a drop-in advice session
Student Development are available in the AskOtago Central Hub between 1pm and 4pm weekdays for you to drop in for advice – no appointment required. There may be a wait but this would be the best way to seek advice if you have a quick question or need to talk to an adviser urgently.
From 1 July to 26 July these drop-in hours extend to 9:30am to 4:30pm each day.
Attend a drop-in advice session
Request advice via our callback or email form
This is a good option if you are unwell or away from Dunedin. Our advisers will get back to you within two to three days (depending on demand and the time of the year).
Request advice via our callback or email form
Future students
Our Schools' Liaison team provides course advice to get you started. They can also tell you all about living and learning here at Otago.
You'll find Liaison staff at careers expos and information evenings throughout the country. They also visit every secondary school in New Zealand twice a year:
- Terms 1 and 2: to talk about the opportunities for living and learning at Otago
- Terms 3 and 4: to help plan your studies
Connect with the Schools' Liaison team
Careers advice
Career advice can help you with "bigger picture" questions such as which qualifications and majors will fit your career plans, or how to develop new career directions if your current course is not working out.
You may also find it helpful to talk to a Career Development Centre career adviser.