Study Archaeology at Otago

Bringing the past into the present.

Archaeology seeks to understand earlier human communities through the study of material evidence from the past. This evidence can include assemblages of portable artefacts such as stone tools, larger monumental structures like Mayan temples, and entire humanmodified landscapes. Archaeologists generate data through fieldwork and excavation, and use both laboratory science and interpretive theory to study that data. Archaeology is essentially a humanities discipline, since it studies human societies and their history, but it draws on a range of other fields, particularly from the sciences.

Archaeology is our primary source of knowledge about the deep history of humankind, and the gradual developments in culture and society that led to the present-day arrangement of human communities. Otago offers a range of stimulating archaeology papers, including opportunities for postgraduate students to carry out supervised field and laboratory research, particularly in New Zealand and the Pacific.

Why study Archaeology?

The study of Archaeology will broaden your understanding of the development of human society and culture. At Otago you will learn about the methods and findings that have led archaeologists to understand how and why complex societies emerged throughout the world.

Otago courses provide a unique 50,000 year perspective on early human colonisation and cultural change in Asia and the Pacific. Students gain novel insights into human social and material environments and interactions in the past.

Students can also prepare for a career that promotes new and exciting research into our human heritage, and the care of archaeological sites today. Graduating Archaeology students will have critical skills in the systematic recording, analysis and interpretation of the cultural past.

Archaeology is taught as part of the Arts degree at the University of Otago so our students receive excellent instruction in research, and are skilled in the construction and presentation of well-reasoned and articulated arguments – in both written and oral form. These are the fundamental skills necessary for a wide range of careers and our graduates are currently employed in many different professions. Those with a graduate degree in Archaeology often elect to take up positions in archaeological research, heritage management, museum studies or in related fields.

Career opportunities

In most countries, some and occasionally all archaeological sites are protected from modification under law. Government agencies responsible for archaeological site protection may employ archaeologists to help manage sites, or to respond to applications to modify sites for development or research purposes.

In New Zealand, some archaeologists are employed by Heritage New Zealand, the national agency responsible for site protection. Such archaeologists may process applications to modify sites and otherwise work to promote the identification, understanding and protection of archaeological places and areas.

The Department of Conservation also employs archaeologists.

Local authorities are increasingly assuming greater responsibilities for archaeological heritage in New Zealand and overseas, and may offer archaeological employment. Public museums may also employ archaeologists as curators, or for specific conservation purposes and research.

Many archaeologists work in a private consulting capacity, offering services and advice to local and national government and other public institutions. They may also be contracted to carry out investigations required during development work, or to advise on the management and care of particular sites and artefacts.

Archaeological skills and knowledge contribute usefully to other professions such as planning, surveying, museum management, history and tourism.

Archaeology at Otago

Otago offers a range of stimulating Archaeology papers with opportunities for postgraduate students to carry out supervised field and laboratory research, particularly in New Zealand and the Pacific.

There is also an Anthropology minor option requiring a minimum five papers.

Teaching style

Our staff are committed to providing high quality teaching through lectures and tutorial interactions, field instruction, and laboratory supervision and training. They are all active researchers who incorporate their research programmes and findings into their teaching.

Programme requirements

Go to the Anthropology page for programme requirements.

Archaeology at Otago is taught as part of the broader discipline of Anthropology

Once you have selected which qualification you wish to study, choose the Anthropology major for Archaeology when you apply in eVision.

Recommended background

There are no formal secondary school prerequisites for enrolment in an Anthropology 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.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

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A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Arts along with other subjects

Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)

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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)

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Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects

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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 Archaeology

Explore postgraduate study in Archaeology at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a sup...

Related subject areas

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Māori, Pacific and indigenous studies

Explore Māori, Pacific, and indigenous languages, heritage, and values to contribute positively to these communities

Programme details

Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

Papers

View a list of all related papers below.

Papers

ANTH papers

Paper Code	Year	Title	Points	Teaching period
ANTH103	2025	Introduction to Anthropology	18 points	Semester 1
ANTH105	2025	Global and Local Cultures	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH106	2025	Human Origins and Civilisations	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH203	2025	Asian Archaeology	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH204	2025	Pacific and New Zealand Archaeology	18 points	Semester 1
ANTH205	2025	Anthropology and the Contemporary Pacific	18 points	Semester 1
ANTH206	2025	Anthropology of Globalisation	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH208	2025	Archaeological Methods	18 points	Semester 1
ANTH209	2025	Special Topic	18 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH210	2025	Translating Culture	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH211	2025	Contemporary Ethnographic Research	18 points	Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
ANTH222	2025	Conceiving Reproduction	18 points	Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
ANTH223	2025	Anthropology of Health	18 points	Semester 1
ANTH225	2025	Rites of Passage: Death, Grief and Ritual	18 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH228	2025	Anthropology of Religion and the Supernatural	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH231	2025	The Emergence of Agriculture: An Archaeological Journey	18 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH310	2025	Special Topic	18 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH312	2025	Cultural Politics	18 points	Semester 1
ANTH317	2025	Historical Archaeology	18 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH321	2025	Archaeozoology	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH322	2025	Conceiving Reproduction	18 points	Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
ANTH323	2025	Anthropology of Health	18 points	Semester 1
ANTH324	2025	Archaeological Practice	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH325	2025	Rites of Passage: Death, Grief and Ritual	18 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH326	2025	Special Topic	18 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH327	2025	Anthropology of Money	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH328	2025	Anthropology of Religion and the Supernatural	18 points	Semester 2
ANTH329	2025	Landscape Archaeology	18 points	Semester 1
ANTH330	2025	New Zealand Archaeology	18 points	Semester 1
ANTH405	2025	Archaeological Excavation	20 points	1st Non standard period (2 February 2025 - 18 June 2025)
ANTH409	2025	Material Culture Studies	20 points	Full Year
ANTH410	2025	Special Topic	20 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH411	2025	Special Topic	20 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH413	2025	Oceanic Prehistory	20 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH423	2025	Bodies, Technologies and Medicines	30 points	Full Year
ANTH424	2025	The Anthropology of Evil	30 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH425	2025	Anthropology of Transnationalism and Diaspora	30 points	Not offered in 2025
ANTH427	2025	Archaeological Theory	20 points	Full Year
ANTH430	2025	Advanced New Zealand Archaeology	30 points	Semester 1
ANTH431	2025	People, Culture and Development	30 points	Semester 2
ANTH490	2025	Dissertation	60 points	Full Year
ANTH495	2025	Dissertation	60 points	Full Year
ANTH505	2025	Advanced Archaeological Excavation	30 points	1st Non standard period (2 February 2025 - 18 June 2025)
ANTH550	2025	Archaeology and Heritage Practice	30 points	Full Year
ANTH590	2025	Research Dissertation	60 points	1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 21 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026)

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