Your background
You'll be enthusiastic, with a real interest in the world around you and have a willingness to learn as well as to find out. A broad background in science is advantageous but we may accept students without these subjects to our 100-level programme.
What will I learn?
A degree in ecology from Otago will give you a broad skill base from which to step into your chosen career.
As well as learning about ecology, we'll help you develop your time management, statistical, and communication skills, and you'll meet a wide range of people with varying interests, ideas, and perspectives in the course of your study.
How will I study?
The study of ecology is approached from all angles – through lectures, tutorials, field trips, indoor activities, and outdoor laboratories. The proximity of the campus to such a diversity of environments means students are uniquely placed to explore a wide range of ecosystems.
Further study
With a Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology, the world is your oyster. Postgraduate programmes in ecology and related subjects open up to you, whether it's a Diploma, Honours degree, Masters degree, or a PhD that you wish to pursue.
Some students change tack at postgraduate level and opt for Environmental Science, Law, Planning, or one of the specialist postgraduate programmes offered at Otago such as the Diploma of Wildlife Management or Natural History Filmmaking and Communication.
Can I combine my Ecology degree with other subjects?
A double major combining ecology with Zoology or Botany are the most common, but Geography, Geology, and Physics and Philosophy are also popular combinations.
If you're interested in environmental law, then a double degree combining Ecology and Law is the way to go – something more and more students are opting to do.
You might choose to spend one or two semesters on exchange at an overseas university, where, through various teaching agreements, you can take approved papers which are cross-credited to your BSc Ecology at Otago.
