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.
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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.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Arts along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
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.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Politics
Explore postgraduate study in Politics at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a suppor...
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Gain skills and knowledge for decision-making, social issues, politics, and laws that impact Aotearoa and the world
History, philosophy, people and society
Understand the world by thinking deeply about people, cultures, and society – past, present, and future
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | Two 100-level POLS papers | 36 |
| 200-level | Two 200-level POLS papers | 36 |
| One further POLS paper at 200-level or above | 18 | |
| One of GEND 201 Introduction to Feminist Theory, GEND 208 Governing Bodies, PHIL 227 Morality and Politics: Hobbes to Hume, PHIL 228 Ethics, PSYC 204 Justice, Race and Class, PUBH 203 Health Policy and Politics: Global and Local, or RELS 235 Religion, Law and Politics may be substituted for one 200-level POLS paper. | ||
| 300-level | Four 300-level POLS papers | 72 |
| CLAS 346 Power and Politics in Roman and Modern Times or MFCO 313 Culture, Politics, Policy and Global Media may be substituted for one 300-level POLS paper. | ||
| Plus | 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. | 198 |
| Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | ||
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | See below | |
| 200-level | See below | |
| 300-level | One 100-level POLS paper, and four further POLS papers, three of which must be above 100-level including at least one at 300-level. | 90 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
POLS papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLS102 | 2025 | Aotearoa New Zealand Politics – Introduction | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS104 | 2025 | International Relations - Introduction | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS105 | 2025 | Comparative Politics - Introduction | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS110 | 2025 | Political Ideas in Action | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS202 | 2025 | Theories of Justice | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS208 | 2025 | Democracy | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS210 | 2025 | Politics of the Middle East | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS213 | 2025 | New Zealand Foreign Policy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS216 | 2025 | Politics of the European Union | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS218 | 2025 | Interventions, Peacekeeping and the Global South | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS224 | 2025 | Current Issues in Environmental Politics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS228 | 2025 | Contemporary Issues in Global Politics | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS230 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS237 | 2025 | New Zealand Government and Constitution | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS244 | 2025 | Political Theory: Basic Problems | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS250 | 2025 | International Security | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS303 | 2025 | New Zealand's Political Economy | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS306 | 2025 | Politics and the Media in New Zealand | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS307 | 2025 | Nature, Conflict, and the State | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS308 | 2025 | United States Foreign Policy since 1945 | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS315 | 2025 | Nationalism and Identity | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS318 | 2025 | Chinese Foreign Policy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS319 | 2025 | Te Tiriti/Treaty Politics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS321 | 2025 | Public Policy in New Zealand | 18 points | Summer School |
| POLS323 | 2025 | Marxism: Classical and Contemporary | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS324 | 2025 | Current Issues in Environmental Politics (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS325 | 2025 | International Relations: Concepts and Theories | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS326 | 2025 | Politics of the Arabian Peninsula | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS330 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS337 | 2025 | New Zealand Government and Constitution | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS375 | 2025 | Human Rights - From the Cradle to the Grave | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS390 | 2025 | Research Project | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS413 | 2025 | Political Theory for the Environment | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS475 | 2025 | The Ethics and Politics of Resistance | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| POLS501 | 2025 | The 'Political': Theory and Practice | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS512 | 2025 | The Ethics and Politics of Resistance | 30 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS513 | 2025 | Political Theory for the Environment | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS520 | 2025 | New Zealand Government and Politics | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS521 | 2025 | Politics and Society | 30 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| POLS540 | 2025 | International Relations Theory | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS541 | 2025 | International Relations and the Global South | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| POLS550 | 2025 | Comparative Regional Conflicts | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| POLS590 | 2025 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026) |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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