Undergraduate Study in Geography

Overview

We offer a choice of three high quality undergraduate degree courses in Geography to suit the different needs and interests of our students.

We present both a balanced overview of the contemporary study of human and physical geography and also a wide spectrum of research-led teaching, with an emphasis on scientific, analytical and critical content.

After the First Year  course, students choose from among a variety of pathways, allowing for specialisation in human geography only, physical geography only, or a mix of the two. These pathways are then followed beyond first year to graduation.

Major in Geography

Geography is a major subject in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. Geography can also be a Minor subject for many Otago degrees.

Major in Environmental Management

Environmental Management is a major subject in the Bachelor of Science and is taught by the School of Geography. Environmental Management can also be a Minor subject for many Otago degrees.

Note: In 2024 all new enrolments to the Environmental Management major will be via the Bachelor of Science. Students who enrolled before 2024 may be completing the Environmental Management major via the Bachelor of Applied Science.

Minor in Environment and Society

Environment and Society is a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc ( Students enrolled before 2024), BCom, BEntr,  BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree and is taught/administered by the School of Geography.

Find out more about the Environment and Society minor

Field Courses

All Geography majors take part in field courses that may involve several days in the field away from Dunedin (at 200- and 300-level). These are a popular feature of the Geography programme and provide a valuable opportunity to apply your learning to the real world.

Find out more about Geography Field Courses

Choosing which papers to take

Papers offered in the School of Geography draw on our research. We offer undergraduate papers (formal lectures) from 100- to 300-level papers.

Schedule and list of Geography papers we offer

If you have any questions about our courses after viewing the information – you should in the first instance, contact the following course advisers:

• Professor Sean Fitzsimons
  Senior Science Course Adviser: Undergraduate Courses (100-300 level)
  Email sean.fitzsimons@otago.ac.nz
• Professor Etienne Nel
  Senior Arts Course Adviser: Undergraduate Courses (100-300 level)
  Email etienne.nel@otago.ac.nz
• Associate Professor Mike Hilton
  Senior Environmental Management Adviser
  Email mike.hilton@otago.ac.nz

The above staff can advise you about course-related matters during the academic year.

If you cannot one of these advisers immediately (e.g. staff may be in the field or on leave), then contact:

The School of Geography administrator
Email geography@otago.ac.nz

Application information for prospective students

If you are a New Zealand or Australian Citizen or permanent resident and want to study at undergraduate level then please read:

Application information at for New Zealand students at undergraduate levelIf you are an international student and want to study at undergraduate level then please read:

Application information for International students at undergraduate level

Programme Requirements