University
University of Otago
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majoring in Geography
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected Feb 2025
Campus
University of Otago
Summary
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a three-year undergraduate degree which enables each student to develop his or her own interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. Students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as subjects from other disciplines across the University.
Why study Geography?
Geography provides a bridge between the arts and the sciences, addressing issues at the local, regional, national and global scales. A Geography degree at Otago provides training through lectures and fieldwork in the environments in which we work.
Geography papers fit well into almost any degree and the School of Geography has strong links with many other disciplines including Geology, Surveying, Agricultural Innovation and sustainability research (Centre for Sustainability).
The mix of analytical and communication skills provided, combined with practical experience make Otago Geography graduates highly sought after in a wide range of industries.
Career opportunities
Geography graduates work in the public and private sectors. Their skills and interdisciplinary outlook prepare them for a diverse range of careers.
Central government departments, state-owned enterprises, local government, private corporations and consultancies employ Geography graduates in areas such as regional and resource planning, environmental management, natural resources (especially water) analysis, social and economic research, social services and regional development.
Further study
The School of Geography offers an honours programme. Postgraduate studies include the Master of Planning, Master of International Development and Planning, Master of Arts, Master of Science, postgraduate diplomas, and a strong PhD programme.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) is also available.
A specific aim of the Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) degree is to develop advanced theoretical and research skills and in so doing to provide a platform for an advanced professional or academic career.
Note: July commencement may be possible, although the duration of the qualification may be longer, or paper selection may be limited.
Entry criteria
We recognise many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance.
We also accept the following international qualifications:
- International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Advanced Levels: minimum Numerical Score of 8
- A minimum of CCC across the NCUK IFY
- Satisfactory completion of one year's study at a recognised tertiary institution.
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic module) (including IELTS Online) - Overall score of 6.0, no individual band below 5.5.
- TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 80 and a writing score of 20.
- C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) or C2 Proficiency (previously Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 169 (with no individual band below 162)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 50 with no communicative skills score below 42.
- LanguageCert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill
- NZCEL - NZCEL 4 Academic endorsement
- English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 2 (with no skill lower than Level 1)
- APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 3 or higher
July commencement may be possible, although the duration of the qualification may be longer, or paper selection may be limited.
Studying in NZ
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