From the medieval to the modern, we offer an extensive range of papers to suit all tastes. English majors choose from a selection of course offerings including Māori and Pacific literature, literature and psychology, environmental literature, revolutions in poetry, and literary controversies.
Why study English?
Literature creates a space in which writers can explore alternatives to the status quo and rehearse solutions to problems, whether they are social, political or environmental. In a turbulent world, literature offers hope and a place where you can be yourself, while learning about others.
Career opportunities
Our graduates find work as:
Editors, copywriters, creative writers, and journalists
Teachers, librarians, and educational administrators
Analysts, diplomats, politicians, and policymakers
Write your story
Study English at Otago and develop your powers of analysis, creativity and imagination.
How you will learn
English at Otago teaches the arts of reading and writing in an integrated way, by studying and discussing literary texts, and by practising the techniques of writing. Our courses involve a combination of small-scale, discussion-based classes (tutorials) and larger-class teaching (lectures), which generally involve a variety of staff.
In upper-level courses, class sizes are usually smaller and opportunities for discussion greater. At second and especially third year, there is generally a greater emphasis placed on independent and exploratory learning and research.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
No specific subjects required; students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
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.
My degree taught me how to read between the lines and think critically while providing me with necessary writing skills. Words aren’t just a medium for storytelling and connection – they’re also a way to hold power to account and a crucial part of our democracy. The world quite literally needs writers.
We welcome and support diverse learners from all backgrounds and invite you to experience research-led teaching by leaders in their fields. Our graduates are known for their critical thinking skills, and employers value their abilities to analyse and interpret texts of all descriptions.
Want to be a writer? It all begins with reading. The study of literature promotes empathy and emotional intelligence—the values that make us human. Immerse yourself in literary texts from classic works to the popular. Understand how great writing works by learning to read it closely and attentively.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Level
Papers
Points
100-level
ENGL 121 English Literature: The Remix, or ENGL 131 Controversial Classics
18
One further paper from: ENGL 120 Creative Writing: How to Captivate and Persuade ENGL 121 English Literature: The Remix ENGL 127 Essentials of Writing ENGL 128
Essentials of Communication ENGL 131 Controversial Classics LING 111 Language and its Structure
180 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above.
180
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts
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
Level
Papers
Points
100-level
Two of: ENGL 121 English Literature: A Survey ENGL 127 Essentials of Writing ENGL 128 Essentials of Communication ENGL 131 Controversial Classics
1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 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.
