Ecology is the study of how plants, animals and other organisims interact with each other and with their environment. We learn about species, populations, and communities in a wide range of habitats from alpine to marine, and from semi-arid grasslands to cloud- and rainforests.
Ecology is a multidisciplinary subject which links departments across the University: Botany, Geography, Geology, Information Science, Marine Science, Maths, Philosophy, Statistics, Surveying, and Zoology.
The Ecology Degree Programme at Otago is organised to allow you to build pathways as you discover your interests – for example, animal and plant ecophysiology, freshwater ecology, marine ecology, plant ecology, molecular and evolutionary ecology, as well as paleoecology, plant–animal interactions and information systems.
Why study Ecology?
Global citizens need to understand our planet's ecology. Ecological information can help us improve our environment, manage our natural resources, protect our biodiversity, and enhance human health.
There are few places equal to Otago when it comes to studying Ecology – the marine inlets, mountains, national parks (Fiordland, Mt Aspiring), and World Heritage Sites (Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand), on our doorstep provide unique and diverse outdoor laboratories in which to work.
Ecology provides broad and transferable training through a range of subjects relating to plants, animals, and the environment. Hands-on and research-based learning means that our graduates are well-placed to take advantage of the wide variety of job opportunities that exist both here and overseas, and that they are up-to-date with global ecological trends and developments.
Our degree programme allows you to maintain a high level of flexibility which allows your interests to evolve. This means you can keep your career options open because you are not required to specialise too early.
Ecological researchers are really active at Otago, so our students are taught be experienced people at the front lines of research in Ecology, evolution, conservation and biodiversity, as well as by researchers from overseas – so come and learn from the best!
Career opportunities
The career opportunities available to Ecology graduates reflect the breadth of training offered. Our graduates are spread far and wide in jobs as diverse as nature guides, resource management consultants, and information technologists.
The Department of Conservation, Crown Research Institutes, local and and regional councils, tourism operations, secondary and tertiary teaching institutions and a range of environmental non-governmental organisations all employ graduates – here in New Zealand and around the world.
Your background
You'll be enthusiastic, with a real interest in the world around you and have a willingness to learn as well as to find out. A broad background in science is advantageous but we may accept students without these subjects to our 100-level programme.
What will I learn?
A degree in ecology from Otago will give you a broad skill base from which to step into your chosen career.
As well as learning about ecology, we'll help you develop your time management, statistical, and communication skills, and you'll meet a wide range of people with varying interests, ideas, and perspectives in the course of your study.
How will I study?
The study of ecology is approached from all angles – through lectures, tutorials, field trips, indoor activities, and outdoor laboratories. The proximity of the campus to such a diversity of environments means students are uniquely placed to explore a wide range of ecosystems.
Further study
With a Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology, the world is your oyster. Postgraduate programmes in ecology and related subjects open up to you, whether it's a Diploma, Honours degree, Masters degree, or a PhD that you wish to pursue.
Some students change tack at postgraduate level and opt for Environmental Science, Law, Planning, or one of the specialist postgraduate programmes offered at Otago such as the Diploma of Wildlife Management or Natural History Filmmaking and Communication.
Can I combine my Ecology degree with other subjects?
A double major combining ecology with Zoology or Botany are the most common, but Geography, Geology, and Physics and Philosophy are also popular combinations.
If you're interested in environmental law, then a double degree combining Ecology and Law is the way to go – something more and more students are opting to do.
You might choose to spend one or two semesters on exchange at an overseas university, where, through various teaching agreements, you can take approved papers which are cross-credited to your BSc Ecology at Otago.
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.
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.
126 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above.
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science
Students majoring in Ecology must pass STAT 110 or STAT 115 and STAT 210 before taking ECOL 313 or ECOL 314.
126
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
Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026)
More information
Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams
Want to connect with a real person and get some advice? Find your Schools' Liaison officer, chat with our International team in New Zealand or your own country, or submit a question through our online form.
