Learn about different types of qualifications, how to create a balanced workload, and who can help you plan your study.
Undergraduate qualifications
Different types of programmes have different entry requirements.
General bachelors' degrees
There are a number of qualifications which are considered general bachelor's degrees and are subject to the Entry Pathway system.
Find out more about General bachelors' degrees
Specialised bachelors' degrees
Specialised bachelors' degrees have their own specific entry requirements, a restricted choice of papers and each has its subjects, structure and admission procedures.
Find out more about Specialised bachelors' degrees
Honours and postgraduate qualifications
Honours degrees
Most general bachelors' degrees and many of the specialised bachelors' degrees have Honours degrees allied to them.
Find out more about Honours degrees
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
Everything you need to know about the Diploma for Graduates.
Masters' degree
Information, guidance, and a point of reference for research Masters' students and those contemplating thesis research.
Doctor of Philosophy
Information and guidance on all matters relating to the PhD.
Find the right programme for you
Student workloads
Workload is made up of a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratories, assignments and reading.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching at university is different from school and papers are assessed in a variety of ways.
Find out more about teaching methods and and assessment types
Resources for planning your study
- Preparing for university
Learn how degrees work, how they are structured, and some key terminology used at university. - Guide to Enrolment (PDF)
The Guide to Enrolment provides valuable information for planning your course. - University of Otago publications
The University of Otago has a number of publications available for prospective students and their families. They outline the many opportunities that await you at Otago and help you make well-informed decisions. - Degree and timetable planning tables (PDF)
Tables for planning your degree and course timetable. - Application due dates
Contact us for course advice
Talk to your Schools' Liaison Officer or, once you're on campus, make an appointment to talk to one of our Student Development Student Advisers. We can help you to plan your study, apply for a qualification and select the right papers for you.