University of Otago

What you'll study

The BA (Hons) is a concentrated, research-focused year of study in a single subject or closely related subjects chosen from the faculties that offer honours entry (for example, History, Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Philosophy, Languages, Anthropology, Art History and others). The programme combines advanced coursework with a significant supervised research project.

• Advanced coursework: seminars and specialised papers that examine contemporary debates, theoretical approaches and methods within your discipline. Typical topics include advanced theory, historiography, qualitative and quantitative methods, critical reading and specialised topics in your chosen area.
• Research methods: dedicated training in research design, ethics, data collection and analysis appropriate to your field — for example, archival methods, statistical analysis, fieldwork techniques or linguistic analysis.
• Honours dissertation: an independent, supervised research project that demonstrates your ability to define a research question, engage with primary and secondary sources, and present sustained argumentation. You will work closely with a supervisor and may present work in seminars.
• Skills development: emphasis on academic writing, critical thinking, project management, and oral presentation through seminars, tutorials and assessments.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA (Hons) requires completion of an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts with a strong academic record in the proposed honours subject. Applicants are typically expected to have completed relevant 300-level papers and to demonstrate both subject knowledge and readiness for independent research.

• Academic performance: a good overall undergraduate grade point average and strong grades in advanced-level papers in the chosen discipline.
• Prerequisite study: completion of specified second- and third-year courses in your honours subject is usually required; consult the department for subject-specific prerequisites.
• Supervision: entry often depends on the availability of a suitable staff supervisor within the chosen department; applicants should contact potential supervisors or the department to discuss proposed research topics.
• International applicants: equivalent undergraduate qualification from a recognised institution and evidence of English language proficiency where required.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BA (Hons) develop analytical, research and communication skills that are valued across many sectors. The honours year also provides a strong foundation for further academic study, including entry to postgraduate programmes such as a Masters by dissertation or doctoral research.

• Research and academia: progression to postgraduate study or research assistant roles.
• Public sector and policy: roles in government agencies, policy analysis and public administration.
• Media, communications and publishing: writing, editing, content development and public relations.
• Community and non-government organisations: research, advocacy, programme coordination and evaluation.
• Business and consulting: analytic and project-management roles that draw on critical thinking and data interpretation.
• Education: secondary teaching (with appropriate teacher training) and educational administration.

Why study at University of Otago

University of Otago offers honours study within departments that combine strong research expertise and personalised supervision. Students benefit from an established research culture, experienced academic staff, and access to specialist collections and laboratory or field facilities where relevant to the discipline.

• Supervision and mentorship: access to experienced supervisors and regular opportunities for feedback through seminars and one-to-one supervision.
• Research infrastructure: comprehensive library resources, research centres and archives that support in-depth scholarship.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: the collegiate environment and range of BA subjects enable cross-disciplinary study and collaboration.
• Student experience: a vibrant campus life in Dunedin with support services for postgraduate students, including writing and research skills workshops.