Shaping the world with words
Studying English helps you read more deeply, in fiction, poetry and critical prose, and take in the sounds and signs of language in the world around you.
Linguistics is the discipline that directly addresses questions about language and its nature, structure, use and development.
Our programme was ranked in the top 150 departments in the world for English language and literature in the 2022 QS World Rankings by Subject. It also ranked first in the field of English language and literature for the number of research-active teaching staff in the most recent Performance Based Research Funding Assessment of New Zealand universities.
Study English, Linguistics and Writing
Enrol in our internship programme
You can gain work experience while you complete your English or Linguistics Major, by enrolling in our internship programme, HUMS301/401, a one-semester paper where you get to work for one day per week with a business or organisation, gaining valuable skills and knowledge about the workplace.
Our internship programme, HUMS301 / HUMS401
University of Otago City of Literature PhD Scholarship
Established in 2017, the University of Otago City of Literature PhD Scholarship for a doctoral project in literary studies celebrates the granting of UNESCO City of Literature status to Dunedin. Dunedin's rich literary history is reflected in its many writers, literary festivals, and reading series and in its world-class libraries and special collections.
Learn more about the University of Otago City of Literature PhD Scholarship
Prizes for outstanding students
A number of prizes are awarded to outstanding students in many areas.
International joint programme agreements
Students from around the world study English and Linguistics at Otago every year through the Study Abroad programme. Otago has also established joint degree programmes with world-class universities where the degree is completed through study at both a home institution and at Otago. Download the flyers for more information:
Contact the programme's International Co-ordinator with any additional question: