Career opportunities
One of the most sought-after graduate attributes employers are looking for is the ability to look at the big picture and apply it to solve specific problems.
Our Global Studies graduates are ideally qualified to respond to this challenge, as they are trained to analyse issues logically, challenge assumptions, consider different viewpoints, and act with flexibility, adaptability and creativity.
Our graduates find exciting, challenging and highly rewarding careers in a broad range of jobs in New Zealand and around the world.
Communications and creative industries, environmental and human rights organisations, tourism, commerce, foreign affairs, government and public administration are just a few of the career areas open to you.
Global Studies is gaining importance in universities all around the world. We at Otago are proud to have pioneered its development in Aotearoa.
Make the most of:
The freedom to combine Global Studies with other areas of interest
Global Studies is a major subject that gives you the freedom to choose from a wide range of Humanities, Commerce and Science papers. You can combine it with other major subjects as part of the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Arts and Commerce, the Bachelor of Arts and Science, or with other degrees, such as the Bachelor of Laws.
For example, our students are choosing to combine Global Studies with Communication, Computer Science, Ecology, Education, Geography, History, Indigenous Studies, International Business, Law, Marine Science, Politics, Psychology, Tourism, and many other subjects.
Individual mentorship
Looking for personal growth and community building? Each student is mentored to build their own individualised course of studies. And we provide guidance via personal, regular course advising, and collective hands-on workshops. The workshops include career advice, CV-building, and interview mock-ups.
Internships and applied learning to enhance employability
Learning takes place both in and outside the classroom.
In your third year, the applied learning culminates in the GLBL303 Applied Research Project paper. This paper gives you the opportunity to complete an internship or an applied research project – either on campus, with a governmental institution or NGO, or in the private sector.
Details about the key components of the major
To select your papers and plan your course of studies, you must contact the Global Studies Director
Email global.studies@otago.ac.nz
Global Studies papers
The four core Global Studies (GLBL) papers are required. They provide the essential skills to build the rest of your course of studies on.
The core papers are: GLBL110 Mapping our Interconnected World: An Introduction to Global Studies, GLBL201 or GLBL301 Cultures of the Environment, GLBL202 or GLBL302 A World of Stories: Global Storytelling in the Digital Age, GLBL303 Applied Research Project.
The full list of Global Studies (GLBL) papers is below.
Multidisciplinary papers in your focus areas
Here's your chance to focus on what you care about: explore the many approved Humanities, Commerce and Science papers on offer and choose six papers that truly excite you.
The papers have been grouped in the following regional and career pathway areas:
- Regional areas: Asia, the Pacific, Europe
- Career pathways: communication, creative industries, environment and sustainability, government and public administration, human security and development, teaching and learning
Language and cultural competencies
Train to be culturally and linguistically literate. Choose five papers from our language and culture offerings.
Language and cultural competency papers include Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Māori, Spanish.
What to do when you enrol in Global Studies
If you are planning to enrol in Global Studies, the first thing to do is to contact the Global Studies Director | Kaituitui Mātai Ao to discuss your course of study.
Email global.studies@otago.ac.nz
What our students say
My global studies courses have taught me how to connect my local experience with our complex, globalised world and gave me amazing opportunities to contribute to long-term sustainable development goals on campus.
Frankie Pastiroff, Majoring in Global Studies
I was able to complete a research paper regarding migrant discrimination with an amazing supervisor who was extremely hands on which greatly helped me obtain my intelligence job with immigration.
Bianca Malcolm, BA in Global Studies and Politics, currently working for the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment
Global Studies have allowed me personal freedom in channelling what I care about most and applying it. It has allowed me to feel more comfortable in knowing how I want to position myself for the future in this complex world we live in.
Liam Hansard, BA Global Studies and BCom in Economics and International Business
I loved the flexibility that came with the Global Studies major which allowed me to pursue my interests across such a wide variety of subjects in just three years.
Nina Brown, BA, Majoring in Global Studies, Minoring in Science Communication
Recommended background
No prior subject knowledge is required. The only thing you need is an open and inquisitive mind and a keen interest in issues of global importance.
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.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Arts along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
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.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Global Studies
Explore postgraduate study in Global Studies at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a ...
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Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
More information
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