Writing at Otago
Writing and communication skills are essential in the university, the workplace and beyond. Studies have shown that most advanced-level positions, in whatever discipline, involve complex communication skills and a range of writing activities. A minor in Writing demonstrates to prospective employers that you have mastered the complex writing and communication skills they seek.
Students who complete a minor in Writing will be trained in a variety of writing genres, including professional writing, academic writing, and, as an option only, creative writing.
The minor in Writing can be taken in conjunction with any major, including English.
Minor-only subject
Please note: this subject can only be taken as a minor.
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.
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Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
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 | ENGL 127 Essentials of Writing | 18 18 |
| Above 100-level | At least three of ENGL 220, ENGL 227, ENGL 228, ENGL 230, MFCO 220, THEA 241, ENGL 320, ENGL 327, ENGL 337, ENGL 342, ENGL 368, THEA 341, including at least one paper at 300-level Note: THEA 241 and THEA 341 are limited-entry papers. | 54 |
| Total | 90 |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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