11 PhD programmes offered by the university

Social Anthropology at University of Otago explores the cultural grounding of social life. By studying people who are ‘not like us’ – from whichever group of people it is that ‘we’ as researchers might belong – anthropologists learn about the surprising differences in everyday living around the world.

At University of Otago’s leading Gender Studies programme, we’ll surprise you. You’ll be introduced to different perspectives on things you’ve always taken for granted, while you explore television, film, social media, public debate, photography, subculture and fashion as well as scholarly reading.

Communication Studies at the University of Otago focuses on the social, technological, political and cultural implications of current and changing communicative practices and networks.

A Geography degree at University of Otago will equip you with valuable research and communication skills using interdisciplinary approaches to explore environmental and societal challenges.

Sociology at University of Otago considers the ways that everyday lives relate to the social structures that shape identity, relationships and power in society.

The Psychology degree at University of Otago is the science of behaviour, brain and cognition, exploring the complex way humans and other animals interact with the world and each other.

University of Otago offers a range of stimulating Archaeology papers with opportunities for postgraduate students to carry out supervised field and laboratory research, particularly in New Zealand and the Pacific.

Being a scientist today means not just navigating the world of research, but also integrating with the community, sharing knowledge and informing policy. We offer a Science Communication degree at the University of Otago.

Maori Studies at University of Otago is an entry point for students wishing to engage with knowledge about the Māori world. It is a broad programme dedicated to the study of te reo Māori (Māori language), tikanga Māori (Māori customary lore) and aspects of te ao Māori (the Māori world).

From international relations to political theory, New Zealand politics to comparative studies – empower yourself with Politics at University of Otago.

Economics at University of Otago is about choice and is at the heart of decision-making. Governments, businesses and individuals are all faced with making choices in situations where resources are scarce.