Study Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology at The University of Otago in New Zealand,

Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology

New Zealand

7

What will I learn?

Social Anthropology 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. Otago offers a range of interesting and challenging study options within Social Anthropology. Visit our webpage to see our courses in Pacific cultures, friendship, reproduction and kinship, the anthropology of money, rites of passage, death studies, health studies, sex, cultural politics, religion and the supernatural, and anthropological technique and theory.Anthropology gives you the academic tools to create meaningful connections with a wide diversity of people. You will learn to engage with cultural groups ethically and explain social life through systematic questioning and critical analysis.Career opportunitiesA Social Anthropology degree provides broad- based training that can lead to a wide range of careers. Students acquire a high level of expertise in sought-after skills. These include problem-solving, analysis of information, research and writing skills, emotional and ethical intelligence, independent thinking, project management, and expertise in audio- visual presentations.Graduates in social anthropology find work in museums, as policy advisors for the government or local bodies, in community development, the police force, and project co-ordination and management for non- governmental organisations such as Volunteer Service Abroad.Other interesting careers include journalism, film and media industries, foreign affairs, international aid, teaching, tourism, working with refugees, disaster relief, management, historic preservation, social impact assessment, environmental management – the list is almost endless.There are also opportunities for pursuing careers specifically in Anthropology, such as working in universities, museums, consultancy, applied research, which require further postgraduate training after finishing the BA.

Study options

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
NZ$39,497.00 (US$ 23,560) per year

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

December 2027

Venue

Christchurch Campus

2 Riccarton Avenue,

CHRISTCHURCH,

Christchurch Central,

8011, South Island, New Zealand

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
NZ$39,497.00 (US$ 23,560) per year

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

July 2027

Venue

Dunedin Campus

University of Otago Clocktower Building,

362 Leith Street,

DUNEDIN,

North Dunedin,

9016, South Island, New Zealand

Entry requirements

For international students

Admission to the degree programme shall be subject to the approval of the Senate. Note: Applications may be made at any time. Applications must be approved before the candidate begins the research work. Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake research in the area of proposed study. Such evidence shall include: a Bachelor's degree with first or upper second class Honours (with an average grade in Honours papers at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) or equivalent (including a research component with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago); or a Master's degree (with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) (including an appropriate research component worth at least a quarter of a year's workload (0.25 EFTS), with a grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago); or appropriate research experience; and for candidates including a nominated creative component for assessment, demonstrated advanced training or experience in a relevant creative practice. A candidate for a Master's degree may apply to transfer to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and may have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate. Initial admission to the degree programme shall normally be provisional, and shall be confirmed on receipt of a supervisory agreement and a satisfactory progress report after no less than six months and no more than 12 months of full- or part-time study. If admission to the degree programme is not confirmed, then either provisional admission may be extended for one period of up to six months or the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree. If admission is not confirmed after a period of extension, the candidate shall be required to withdraw or to enrol for another degree. Notwithstanding regulation 1(b) above, a Medical student who has completed a year of study for the degree of Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours but has not been awarded that degree may be accepted as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate. Such a student's programme of study must be approved by both the Board of the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate Research Committee.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About The University of Otago

The University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and ranked among the top 200 universities in the world in the QS Rankings.

  • New Zealand’s No.1 university for academic performance
  • 96 percent of Otago graduates go into work or further study
  • Among the top five most beautiful campuses globally
  • Opportunity to apply for a three-year post-study work visa

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