University of Otago
University of Otago

About

The University of Otago, established in 1869, holds the prestigious title of being New Zealand’s oldest university and one of the oldest in Oceania. Led by Thomas Burns, the university was officially founded by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council. Known for its vibrant student life, Otago students, also known as “Scarfies,” have a tradition of naming their flats and embracing the cold southern winters with scarves. The university’s graduation song, Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus, reflects the spirit of students who continue to rise to the challenge. With a rich history and a strong sense of community, Otago is a place where students thrive and excel.

Rankings and reputation

The University of Otago regularly proves its excellence in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. The sports-related subjects rank 12th in the world (2024). In addition, Otago has more top-50, top-100, and top-200 subjects in 2024 compared to 2023, solidifying its position as one of New Zealand’s top universities. Notably, Otago has four subjects in the global top 50, including Sports Related Subjects at 12th place, Anatomy & Physiology at 30th, Dentistry at 40th, and Hospitality & Leisure Management at 44th (2024 data).

Campuses

The University of Otago’s main campus is located in Dunedin, where you can find the Central Administration, Health Sciences, Humanities, Business School, and Sciences divisions. The stunning architecture and beautiful gardens of the Dunedin campus have earned it a spot on the list of the world’s most gorgeous university campuses by The Daily Telegraph and The Huffington Post. Apart from the main campus, the university also has satellite campuses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill.

The Christchurch campus is home to the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Science, offering medical and physiotherapy clinical training programs, research opportunities, distance education, and postgraduate programs.

The Wellington campus, on the other hand, is situated at the Wellington School of Medicine and Health Science, providing similar offerings in medical and physiotherapy training, research, distance education, and postgraduate studies.

The Auckland campus, located at the Auckland Centre on Queen, offers a variety of teaching and distance learning courses while engaging with the wider Auckland community and alumni.

The Southland Campus, known as Ahuahu Te Mātauranga, is a part of the University of Otago College of Education, offering early childhood, primary, primary bilingual, and secondary teacher education programs. Additionally, the University of Otago’s Department of Marine Science runs the Portobello Marine Laboratory in the Otago peninsula.

https://www.otago.ac.nz/

Courses offered by this provider

Showing 1 - 15 of 15
Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)

Subject
Study level

The Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) program provides an accelerated two-year route to nursing registration for graduates from any field of study. There is also an option to pursue this pathway on a part-time basis.
Master of Medical Laboratory Science (MMLSc)

Study level

The Master of Medical Laboratory Science (MMLSc) degree, along with the preceding Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science (PGDipMLSc), enables Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) graduates to engage in full-time research, potentially
Master of Medical Science (MMedSc)

Study level

The MMedSc degree is a research-focused program that can be completed in one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent), involving a supervised investigation in a specific area of medical science.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)


The program adopts a robust international outlook. Coupled with the diverse composition of our classes and opportunities for student exchange with prestigious universities globally, we equip students for success in the fiercely competitive global economy.
Master of Bioethics and Health Law (MBHL)

Study level

This degree addresses bioethical issues stemming from the growing use of technology in medicine and the evolving resourcing and delivery of health care.
Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiomedSc)


The Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiomedSc) is a one-year program focused solely on thesis work. It provides a strong foundation for careers in academia or research and is widely recognized as a valuable pathway to pursuing a PhD.
Master of Community Dentistry (MComDent)


The program promotes the development of critical analysis and research skills while providing an advanced knowledge base and competencies in dental public health, essential for specialists in the field.
Master of Dental Technology (MDentTech)

Study level

The Master of Dental Technology (MDentTech) program typically requires two years of full-time study (or the equivalent in part-time study) and includes three 500-level papers along with a thesis.
Master of Oral Health (MOH)

Study level

Graduates of the Master of Oral Health (MOH) program will acquire advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies in dental therapy and dental hygiene practice.
Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)

Subject
Study level

The Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) program provides postgraduate education in various health disciplines and offers the opportunity for students to gain research experience through a thesis, dissertation, or project in their chosen area of specializa
Master of Business Data Science (MBusDataSc)


The Master of Business Data Science (MBusDataSc) is a multidisciplinary program that focuses on utilizing data within a business framework, managing extensive data sets, and conducting data analysis. The curriculum is designed to enhance students' abiliti
Master of Commerce (MCom)


The Master of Commerce (MCom) degree emphasizes the development of individual research skills. Beginning with a solid foundation of coursework, students will have the opportunity to contribute to existing fields or initiate new areas of research.
Master of Sustainable Business (MSusBus)


The Master of Sustainability Business (MSusBus) is an interdisciplinary program offering an advanced qualification in sustainability. It is the only program of its kind available in New Zealand.
Master of Accounting and Finance (MAccFin)


This one-year program will equip accounting and finance students with advanced financial and analytical expertise.
Master of Archaeological Practice


The Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP) is a practical, professional qualification that bridges theory and practice, designed to build expertise and leadership in archaeological heritage management.