Career opportunities
Oceanography will open doors to a diverse array of careers. Oceanography students at Otago develop a broad foundation in all areas of oceanography, with opportunities to concentrate in physical oceanography, biological oceanography, marine geology or marine chemistry. Throughout your programme, you will work with classmates to plan and execute field expeditions, collecting, evaluating, and presenting real-world data.
As an Oceanography graduate, your career path may lead you to:
- Assess effects of tsunami for a regional council
- Develop tidal turbines for an alternative energy company
- Advocate for responsible policy through an NGO
- Pursue a teaching career at any level
- Conduct oceanographic and Antarctic research at a university or government agency
- Explore for petroleum or minerals in the resource industry
- Track trace metals to see where shellfish come from
Oceanographic research can take you from the poles to the tropics, Antarctica to Rarotonga, from regional councils to government agencies, such as NIWA, GNS, and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Otago graduates have launched their careers in private consultancy firms, within the IT industry, in science communication media (for example, Dunedin's Natural History New Zealand Ltd), and government science policy groups.
Others continue their Marine Science careers within the educational system, through science teaching and community engagement, or university research and teaching positions. Those interested in pursuing postgraduate study may end up working as a research scientist for an oceanographic institute or university anywhere in the world.
Teaching style
Oceanography is a hands-on discipline.
Apart from attending lectures and tutorials, you will also have practical laboratories and field trips at sea.
The Marine Science department, which offers the Oceanography degree, has research and teaching facilities on the main campus in Dunedin, a major research laboratory at Portobello on the Otago Peninsula, and field stations on Stewart Island and at Doubtful Sound.
A fleet of research vessels, including the expedition vessel RV Polaris II, provides access to coastal and off-shore environments.
Recommended background
Students with a passion for the marine environment who enjoy the physical sciences and maths will find a natural home in Oceanography. A solid foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus through Year 13 will prepare you to dive right in to our BSc programme. Earth and Space Science and Geography will also set the stage for your Oceanography degree.
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.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
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 Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
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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 Oceanography
Explore postgraduate study in Oceanography at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a s...
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
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.
No new enrolments will be accepted for this minor subject after 2021
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 Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | MARI 112 Global Marine Systems One of: | 18 - 18 |
| 200-level | OCEN 201 Physical Oceanography | 18 |
| 300-level | OCEN 301 Practical and Field Oceanography One of: | 18 - 18 |
| Note: Students should check the prerequisites for 300-level papers when selecting 200-level papers. | ||
| Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
OCEN papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCEN450 | 2025 | Special Topic: Data Analysis Methods in Marine Science | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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