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Study Politics at Otago

From international relations to political theory, New Zealand politics to comparative studies – empower yourself with Politics.

Politics is the study of how power is organised and used, nationally and internationally. Power relations affect every aspect of our lives, determining what we think, say and do, and how we co-operate to make the world a better place.

So much of what we see in the news is about politics, including Brexit, the US election, the Syrian conflict, and the Treaty of Waitangi. By studying politics, you will gain a balanced, analytical and insightful understanding of topics that may be sensationalised in the media. Empower yourself to know the difference: study Politics.

Why study Politics?

Consider what you stand to gain from a better understanding of people and power, conflict and co-operation. By studying Politics, you will get to know power intimately and acquire the insight and skills to use power for the betterment of yourself, society, and the world.

Politics is a practical field of study that will empower you to understand and take part in responsible decision-making. It is also an intellectually stimulating field.

The knowledge and skills acquired from studying Politics will not only empower you to make a difference, but are very attractive to future employers.

Career opportunities

Politics graduates have the ability to analyse issues logically, to challenge conventional assumptions, to consider different options and viewpoints, make informed decisions, and act with flexibility, adaptability and creativity.

In addition to these specialist skills, our programmes enable you to develop a range of personal and professional skills that are highly valued by employers.

A Politics degree has helped many graduates find exciting, challenging and highly-rewarding careers in a broad range of fields across New Zealand and around the world. Our graduates are policy analysts, diplomats, working with refugees, journalists, business leaders, lawyers, public servants, consultants, and even politicians.

Many continue on to study towards a postgraduate degree at prestigious international universities.

Unlocking the world of politics

Discover the exciting world of politics at Otago, where you’ll develop analytical skills, explore global issues, and gain the tools to form your own perspectives on key societal matters.

Read transcript

Introduction

Good morning, my name is Robert Patman. A warm welcome from myself and my colleagues in the Department of Politics. I’d just like to take a couple of minutes of your time to talk about Politics at Otago.

What is Politics?

What is politics? Politics is actually the process in which we amend and create the rules for the running of society—who gets what, when, and how in society. And actually, it’s not quite as dry as it sounds, because people do disagree about who gets what, when, and how in society, and that makes it quite exciting.

Why Study Politics?

From an academic point of view, we look at causation. We are not just interested in what happened and how it happened, but also why it happened. Secondly, we are also interested in helping you, as students of the subject, to develop your intellectual independence.

Our job as teachers of the subject is not to foist our views on you but to give you the tools to develop your own perspectives on a range of issues.

Importance of Political Education

Now, a political education, in my judgment, is extremely important in the 21st century. As you have probably gathered, the world has become increasingly interdependent and interconnected through globalization.

That is a term we hear a lot—what does it mean? It means the world is becoming a smaller place through technological links, and that is quite important to know what’s going on given that context.

Those of you who have been following COVID-19 and also the Christchurch terror atrocity will realise that the position our government takes is not just an issue for us in New Zealand—it is watched worldwide. Increasingly, that is becoming a trend.

Studying Politics at Otago

What about studying politics at Otago? How does it differ from other universities in New Zealand?

First of all, we teach all four main subfields of the subject:

  • International relations (which I teach),
  • Comparative politics,
  • Political theory or political philosophy, and
  • The study of institutions.

We cover these four subfields at every level—first-year, second-year, and third-year.

We also, and I think this really distinguishes Otago from the other universities in New Zealand, run two coursework master’s programs, which are very successful:

  • The Master of International Studies, which is a multidisciplinary program in which politics is the anchor, and
  • The Master of Politics, which is a similar program but specialises just in politics.

These are our two master’s programs, and we have a large PhD cohort.

Jobs in Politics

What sort of jobs would you look to if you do a degree in politics?

It’s not like law or medicine—you don’t walk straight into a job either as a doctor or a lawyer. But it opens a lot of doors, given the analytical skills you will garner. For example, many people work as advisors in government, in the public service, or in the media. They work in a range of professions that require those general skills.

Thank you.

Politics at Otago

Otago's Politics lecturers are all experts in their fields, actively engaged in research that enriches their teaching.

Our approach to the study of politics is a blend of traditional and modern analysis. The breadth of the discipline of politics is reflected in the wide range of papers on offer at Otago. At Otago, Politics is arranged into four fields:

  • International Relations – study international conflicts and co-operation between states
  • New Zealand Politics – understand the politics of Aotearoa
  • Political Theory – ask important theoretical questions about the nature of power and justice
  • Comparative Politics – compare the politics of a range of countries and regions

Degree options

You can study Politics as a major within the following degrees:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
  • Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)

Politics is an excellent subject to study with another area of interest, either as a double-major in the BA, alongside a Science subject in the BASc, alongside a Commerce subject in the BACom, or as a double degree with Law or Commerce, and other options.

Politics is also part of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) major, and is available as a minor within a range of degree options, or simply as an additional interest paper to strengthen your degree.

An understanding of politics also complements degrees in areas such as Law, International Business, History, Economics, Geography, Management or Psychology.

Student exchange

The opportunity to study at an international university and understand another culture is an invaluable educational experience for a Politics student. You may be able to do part of your study overseas through the University's extensive exchange programme or as a postgraduate student.

Continuing your studies

We offer a range of postgraduate programmes. The twelve-month long Master of Politics (MPols) and Master of International Studies (MIntSt) degrees are excellent options for students interested in specialising in a particular area of politics or seeking an extra edge when considering their future career options. We also offer two research degrees – the Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Recommended background

Studying Politics at Otago assumes no prior knowledge. If you have an interest in national and international affairs, you should consider including some politics in your 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.

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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.

Programme details

Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

Papers

View a list of all related papers below.

More information

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