Study options and themes at Hands-On Otago
You might be unsure of what you want to study and that is absolutely ok.
There are 25 different subjects offering a Project at the Hands-On programme this year. If you are not certain on which particular subject you are interested in, we have split some of the Projects across four themes below to make things a little easier. If you are drawn to any of these particular themes, why not take a look to see which subjects could be related to those areas of interest for you.
People, Society and Culture
- Education
- English
- Law
- Marketing
- Media, Film and Communication
- Music
- Politics
- Psychology
- Surveying
- Theatre and Dance
Business and Technology
Health and Wellbeing
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Food Science
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Pharmacy
- Physiology
- Sport and Exercise Sciences
Animal and Life Sciences
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Food Science
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Marine Science
- Microbiology
- Nanochemistry
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Sport and Exercise Sciences
Find out when the first session on Sunday starts
On Sunday 12 January, our first session will be starting at 3pm but arrival registration will be open from 10am.
Find out when the last session on Friday ends
On Friday 17 January, our last session finishes at approximately 12:30pm.
We understand that sometimes the flight times do not quite workout with the programme time depending on where you are coming from. The earliest we can pick students up from the airport is 2pm on Saturday 11 January. The last drop offs to the airport will be at 7:30am and 12pm on Saturday 18 January.
There will be an additional cost if you require an additional night stay at the college.
Changing an allocated project
Unfortunately, each project has a limited number of places. We will try our best to place you into the project you select but if that’s not possible we will work very hard to find space in a project that is closely related to the ones you have chosen.
What 'teacher endorsement' means
The teacher endorsement is a signature from your teacher as evidence that your teacher/school supports your application for Hands-On at Otago, and makes them aware you are applying for the programme.
What to submit if your school report doesn’t show credits
For schools that don’t include NCEA credits in their reports, we suggest students upload their regular school report and their NCEA credit record. We understand that the application form doesn’t allow for more than one document to be uploaded in each section so feel free to send them through to hands-on@otago.ac.nz and we can add them to your application.
When you should supply a letter of support from your school
You only need to supply a letter of support from a teacher at your school if you are applying for a scholarship. This will need to be on letterheaded paper from the school. There will be clear instructions on the application form where to upload this when you are submitting your application for scholarship.
Signing off on the programme for Duke of Edinburgh
Your Duke of Edinburgh assessor for Hands-On at Otago will be the Camp Manager of your cohort. We will send you some information towards the end of this year which will include your allocated cohort and your Duke of Edinburgh assessor.
Payment options for Hands-On
Standard payment can be made through the online portal which you will be given access to once you have been accepted to the programme.
Invoices can be issued by request, you will need to supply the following information:
- Student name/s
- Total amount
- School/Group/Individual to be invoiced
Set up a payment plan for the Hands-On at Otago fee
You can set up a payment plan for the Hands-On at Otago fee. We can connect you with our Accounts Receivable team to set up a payment plan.
The full payment must be received before Hands-On at Otago commences in January.