Career opportunities
Otago graduates who include Pathology papers within their qualifications find employment in a wide variety of areas.
Recent developments in fields such as biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology and medicine have increased the demand for graduates with a background in Pathology.
Graduates can opt to follow a traditional academic research pathway, or work in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Graduates are also employed as managers and advisers in government agencies.
Pathology is offered as a minor for a range of bachelors' degrees.
A Pathology minor in the BSc programme integrates with other papers offered in the BSc programme and integrates well with other majors in Biomedical Sciences, as well as with a range of other subjects.
Pathology is also taught as part of the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences ( BBiomedSc ) degree. The Department of Pathology offers core papers in the Molecular Basis of Human Disease major in the BBiomedSc programme. Pathology papers are also available as options in four additional BBiomedSc majors.
Teaching format
Teaching is delivered in lectures and laboratories. Laboratories provide hands-on experience and demonstrate the principles that underpin the understanding of the pathogenesis of disease.
Postgraduate study in Pathology
There are currently various options open to students seeking to further their education in Pathology at 400-level and beyond.
Students who have completed any of the majors in the BBiomedSc programme can enrol in a BBiomedSc(Hons) in the Department of Pathology. The BBiomedSc(Hons) can be in any of the majors, including the Molecular Basis of Health and Disease. Some students who have completed a BSc in appropriate subjects may also be permitted to complete a BBiomedSc(Hons) .
Students who have completed a BSc in Genetics can complete a BSc(Hons) in Genetics that includes a research project based in the Department of Pathology.
Further postgraduate study includes options such as the Master of Biomedical Sciences, the Master of Science (subject to joint supervision with a department that offers the MSc ), or a PhD.
Find out more about postgraduate study in Pathology
Pathology research at Otago
Our staff undertake internationally-recognised Pathology research.
This research is focused on three thematic areas:
- Translational Cancer Research
- Epigenetics
- Developmental Biology
The types of medical and scientific problems that this research addresses include:
- Cancer cell biology
- Genomics and molecular markers for cancer
- Cancer drug resistance
- Cancer immunology
- Haematology
- Stem cell biology and cell fate determination
- Epigenetics of human disease
- Genetics of early development
Current research projects available in the Department of Pathology
Recommended background
No specific secondary school subject requirements, however Year 13 Biology and Chemistry are recommended. Calculus and Statistics are also useful.
Please refer to the University's general admission requirements.
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.
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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.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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