Gender is a complex element of social and cultural existence with far-reaching implications for the course of our lives. It shapes the work we do and how we spend our leisure time. It affects not only our identities, but our income, our family relationships and friendships, the value and meanings we attach to other people and activities, what we eat and how we dress, and even how we speak. Gender Studies explores categories such as “women”, “men”, “trans”, or “non-binary” and how they can be fundamental to our own and others’ understandings of who we are.
Why study Gender Studies?
At New Zealand's leading Gender Studies programme, we'll surprise you. You'll be introduced to different perspectives on things you've always taken for granted, while you explore television, film, social media, public debate, photography, subculture and fashion as well as scholarly reading.
The staff are enthusiastic! They work interactively, and involve students actively in their own learning. Students are encouraged to think independently and to relate their academic learning to the world they encounter daily.
Gender Studies consistently gains high ratings for student satisfaction with their learning experience.
Topics covered in the core programme include:
bodies in popular culture
cultural construction of sexuality
consumer culture and work
family life
gender in the media
social justice
intersectionality
violence
gender, sexuality and state power
Gender Studies runs a core programme but also introduces you to a whole range of disciplines. A Gender Studies degree can include papers in Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Education, English, Film and Media, Geography, History, Law, Politics, and Religion. It's up to you!
Many Gender Studies papers can be credited towards other degree programmes, including majors in Sociology, Film and Media, Politics, Philosophy, and the minor in Criminology.
Gender Studies can be included as a major for a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce, or a Bachelor of Arts and Science. It is available as a minor subject for several qualifications, including a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Commerce.
Career opportunities
Realise your ideas to create value in the real world by working in:
Policy development and analysis
Human rights
Trade union and EEO work
Education
Human resources
Health and community advocacy
Business and management
Journalism and the media
Marketing and advertising
Arts, entertainment and museum work
Gender Studies will also enable you to develop personal and professional skills that are highly valued by employers:
The ability to think broadly, critically and creatively
Appreciation of diverse points of view
The ability to analyse and participate in debate
Research skills
Clear and effective written expression
Verbal reasoning, verbal address
Team work
The critical perspectives and knowledges gained through training in Gender Studies are also applicable well beyond specific career contexts.
A Gender Studies major or minor provides you with skills that will prove useful through all aspects of your life.
Recommended background
All students are welcome to study Gender Studies at Otago. No prior knowledge is required.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above.
198
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts
Total
360
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
Level
Papers
Points
Five GEND papers, at least three of which must be above 100-level, including at least one above 200-level
1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026)
More information
Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams
Want to connect with a real person and get some advice? Find your Schools' Liaison officer, chat with our International team in New Zealand or your own country, or submit a question through our online form.
