Geography University of Otago

Overview

The Geography programme at the University of Otago provides a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationships between human societies and the natural world. Students engage with critical global issues such as climate change, social inequality, and sustainable development through a diverse and flexible curriculum.

This course of study bridges the gap between physical and human geography, allowing learners to combine scientific investigation with social policy perspectives. By examining how communities shape and are influenced by their environments, students develop a deep understanding of the planet's most pressing challenges.

The teaching approach at the University of Otago emphasises a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Why Geography at the University of Otago?

The School of Geography is renowned for its supportive community and research-led teaching environment. Located in Dunedin, the university provides immediate access to diverse landscapes, including stunning coastlines, rural regions, and urban centres, which serve as living laboratories for students.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its commitment to field-based learning. Students benefit from week-long field schools and trips where they collaborate with local government agencies, indigenous communities, and environmental organisations to address contemporary socio-political and ecological changes.

The curriculum is further enriched by Māori perspectives, ensuring that graduates possess a culturally nuanced understanding of environmental management and planning. This holistic approach ensures that students are not just observers but active contributors to sustainable global futures.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 45990 per year
• National fee: NZD 10891 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Physical Geography
• Geographies of Sustainable Futures
• Māori Society
• Field Research Methods
• Social Geography
• Geographies of Global Economic Change
• Environmental Management: Principles and Values
• Engaging with People and Place: Doing Geographical Research
• Climatology
• Plants, People and the Environment
• Geomorphology
• Freshwater Resources: Monitoring and Management
• Field Research Studies
• Environmental Management: Policy and Practice
• Global Development: Theory and Practice
• Alpine Geomorphology
• Urban Theory and Practice
• Mountain Hydrology
• Coastal Management

Careers with Geography

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse professional pathways in both the public and private sectors. Many find success as policy analysts within central government agencies or as environmental scientists for regional councils and consultancies.

The programme also prepares students for roles as community or indigenous development specialists and urban planners focused on sustainability. Others pursue careers as researchers or policy advisers for non-governmental organisations, working to solve global crises and influence how modern societies operate.