Preparing for university

Degree terminology explained

Researching your study options and feeling confused by all the jargon? Here's a list of words we use at Otago when we talk about degrees.

Degree

The qualification you’re (usually) studying for at university is called a degree. Each degree has an abbreviation, such as BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BCom (Bachelor of Commerce). Your first – or undergraduate – degree is called a bachelor’s degree.

Major

The subject you specialise in within your degree is called your major.

Minor

In many degrees you can choose to have a minor as well. This is a subject you have studied at each level but not in as much depth as your major.

Papers

Each subject is divided into papers. They are like topics within each subject – the building blocks of your degree.  A full-time year is made up of approximately 6–8 single semester papers. In your first year you’ll take 100-level papers, then mostly 200-level and 300-level.

Points

When you pass each paper you get points towards your degree. Papers are generally worth 18 points and a three-year degree needs 360 points. This usually consists of 20 papers.

How is a degree structured?

This is an example of what a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree could look like over three years of full-time study. You’ll usually take 100-level papers in your first year, and progress to higher-level papers as you advance in your studies.

Your degree, your way

Otago degrees are flexible, so you can personalise your degree to suit your interests and career goals.

Double major

You can choose to do a bachelor's degree with two major subjects. This typically involves more workload and the option to extend your degree beyond the typical three years. If you’re considering a double major programme, get advice from our Schools' Liaison team.

Combined degree

Combine your interests by studying two major subjects from different bachelors' degree in a four-year degree. This is called a combined degree.

Double degree

You can study two degrees at the same time. This is called a double degree. If you are interested in studying subjects from more than one degree this would be a good option to consider.

Honours degree

Most bachelor's degrees have honours degrees allied to them. They usually involve an additional year of study, more papers and a research report or dissertation. You apply at the end of your first degree, also known as your bachelor's degree.

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