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We offer five postgraduate qualifications:

Doctor of philosophy (PhD)

Students who have completed a BA (Hons), Postgraduate Diploma, or MA in Philosophy are eligible to apply for admission into the Doctor of philosophy (PhD) programme. The student must undertake a major research project, and write a thesis of approximately 60-100,000 words under the supervision of two members of staff. It normally takes three years full time (or the equivalent part time) to complete.

Master of Arts (MA) by thesis

Students who have completed a BA(Hons) or DipArts in Philosophy are eligible to apply for admission into the Master of Arts (MA) by thesis programme. The student must write a thesis of approximately 30-40,000 words under the supervision of two members of staff. It normally takes one year full time (or the equivalent part-time) to complete.

Master of Arts (MA) by coursework

From 2018 the University of Otago is offering a new pathway within the Master of Arts, a 180-point coursework option. The Master of Arts (MA) by coursework programme is designed to provide a multi-disciplinary grounding for Humanities students in a range of subjects as preparation for further study or future employment. The programme will take either 12 months or three semesters of full-time study to complete. The programme can also be studied part-time.

Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA (Hons))

Students who have completed a BA or Diploma for Graduates in Philosophy may apply for admission into the Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA (Hons)) programme. The student must write a dissertation of approximately 12-15,000 words under the supervision of two members of staff and study three 400-level Philosophy papers. It is a one year full-time course.

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PG Dip Arts)

The same as for BA(Hons) except that candidates may enrol part-time for the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PG Dip Arts) programme.

Diploma For Graduates

This is intended for people who have a degree in another subject, but want to get a qualification in Philosophy. It puts a student in the same position as a BA graduate with respect to eligibility for higher degrees. The Diploma For Graduates requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above.

More information on all postgraduate qualifications offered by the programme is available here.

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