Postgraduate Introduction Guide

University of Otago INTRO TO POSTGRAD AT OTAGO WHAT IS POSTGRAD STUDY?

Postgraduate study refers to the range of programmes that are available to you once you have completed a bachelor’s degree. Our postgraduate programmes allow you to take your study to the next level and really explore your specialist subject area.

Why do postgrad study? Postgraduate study opens up a world of possibilities and can enhance your career opportunities. By following your passion for research you’ll gain knowledge that will make you a specialist in your feld – your point of diference will be the ability to stand out in a competitive job market, and you’ll have the edge if you want to change careers or take your work to the next level.

There are two ways to undertake postgraduate study, either by coursework (papers) or research:

Coursework Research • Bachelor’s degree with honours • Master’s degree by research* • Diploma for Graduates • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) • Postgraduate certifcate* • Professional doctorate • Postgraduate diploma* Research can be challenging, fun and highly rewarding. These research-only courses involve • Master’s degree by coursework independent research under the supervision of an Postgraduate study via coursework allows you to academic staf member, and the completion of a explore specifc subjects in more depth than at dissertation or thesis. undergraduate level in either a small taught class or * Note: Postgraduate certifcates and diplomas may include some individual study environment. research work, and a master’s by research may include some coursework. WHY OTAGO?

Our postgraduate programmes allow you to take your study to the next level and really explore your specialist subject area. A postgraduate qualiﬁcation can enhance your career prospects – become an expert in your ﬁeld and stand out in a competitive job market.

STARS™ 20+ RATING SYSTEM 2019 PATHWAYS TO POSTGRAD STUDY

Most general bachelors’ degrees and many of the specialised bachelors’ degrees have Diploma an associated honours degree (e.g. Bachelor’s for Graduates Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts with Honours). They usually involve more papers in the subject of the degree and a research dissertation. Honours degrees are usually awarded at frst-class or second-class level. Most subjects also have a six-month Postgraduate Postgraduate Honours postgraduate certifcate programme, Certifcate Diploma a one year postgraduate diploma programme or a two-year master’s degree programme, with the second year involving research for a master’s thesis. If you have an honours degree or a Coursework Research postgraduate diploma, you can apply to take Master’s Master’s a one-year master’s programme. Students averaging B+ or better in their honours or master’s degree may even decide to go on to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme, which generally takes three to four years. PhD Otago also ofers a wide range of [NB: a dotted line indicates coursework masters’ degrees, which that this pathway is available allow you to complete a taught postgraduate in certain circumstances.] degree in 12-15 months. Another useful qualifcation for graduates is Entry to postgraduate programmes varies across individual departments and programmes the Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), but, in general, you should aim for a B+ average in the ﬁnal year of study for your bachelor’s a one-year personalised selection of high- degree to be considered for admission. level papers chosen to suit your particular needs. ENROLLING

To discuss eligibility and possible research areas Key dates in your particular feld of interest, you should contact the department or school directly. Honours degrees If you are thinking of a PhD, your frst step will The due date for applications for most honours programmes is be to fnd a supervisor – an academic specialising 10 December. in your research area – via the department’s website or check out our staf expertise database: Postgraduate diplomas and certiﬁcates otago.ac.nz/mediaexpertise The due date for applications for most postgraduate diplomas and certifcates is 10 December. Once you have that sorted, contact the Doctoral Ofce for all PhD-related admission queries: Coursework masters’ degrees [email protected] The due date for applications for most coursework masters’ degrees is 10 December for study beginning at the start of the following Applications for admission to all postgraduate academic year, or 1 June for study beginning in the second semester. programmes are made online. otago.ac.nz/enrolment Research masters’ degrees There are no specifc due dates for applications for a research master’s degree. Thesis-only students can begin their studies at any time between early January and late December. PhD programmes There are no specifc due dates for applications for PhD study. Applications for admission can be made at any time throughout the year. For professional doctorates, contact the department or faculty to check application dates. Scholarships Applications for University of Otago postgraduate scholarships can be made at any time throughout the year, usually at admission, in which case the scholarship application should be uploaded as part of the online admission application process. SUPPORT FOR POSTGRAD STUDY

We’ll help you succeed with a range of support speciﬁcally for postgraduate students.

Accommodation Scholarships The Student Accommodation Centre can Otago ofers more than 280 generous postgraduate also help you sort out where to live while scholarships each year, worth over $18 million. There you’re studying. are scholarships for Māori and Pacifc students, students studying in particular areas and general With seven residential colleges that cater for postgraduate scholarships that you can apply for at postgraduate students – including Abbey College, any time throughout the year. New Zealand’s only college exclusively for postgraduate students – as well as all the fatting Over 180 doctoral scholarships are available options that Dunedin ofers, you’ll for domestic and international candidates have plenty of accommodation choices. each year. High performing New Zealand-trained otago.ac.nz/accommodation PhD applicants may be eligible for a guaranteed scholarship. The givMe database has over 4,000 external Career Development Centre scholarships for potential students to apply for, too. The Career Development Centre has a dedicated Go online and check out what’s available postgraduate career adviser who can help you explore and how to apply. your career options, gain experience and assist with otago.ac.nz/scholarships job search strategies and preparation. otago.ac.nz/careers-postgrad Student Learning Development Student Learning Development (SLD) works Graduate Research School closely with the Graduate Research School and the The Graduate Research School provides International Ofce to provide an integrated approach administrative and pastoral support if you’re to postgraduate students’ studies. Its postgraduate undertaking a research master’s or PhD or other programme includes workshops on the research doctorate. The School also runs a programme journey, reviewing literature, thinking about and of professional development support (including preparing a thesis, writing critically, presenting at individual performance coaching and Māori conferences and publishing. Personal one-to-one postgraduate support) and events to celebrate and consultations about specifc problems associated with showcase research. postgraduate research and study are also available. otago.ac.nz/graduate-research otago.ac.nz/sld

Libraries Supervision Te University library ofers comprehensive print If you choose to study a research programme and electronic resources in a number of facilities (honours, master’s or doctoral) you’ll work with a across campus, including the Central (Business and supervisor; an academic staf member who will work Humanities), Robertson (Education), Law, Health closely with you and provide advice, support and Sciences, and Science libraries, and the Hocken guidance for your research. You may have more Collections (New Zealand and Pacifc heritage material). than one supervisor to assist with covering diferent disciplines of study depending on your research topic. Tere are also medical and health sciences libraries on the Christchurch and Wellington campuses. All subject areas have a dedicated librarian to support postgraduate learning. Tey can help with information on starting research, fnding resources and producing a thesis. Tere are also targeted sessions throughout the academic year to support students in their study. otago.ac.nz/library CONTACT THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO

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