Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in English

• The degree may be awarded in any of the subjects listed in the MA(Coursework) Schedule. With the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) the degree may be awarded in a subject not listed in the MA(Coursework) Schedule.
• The Program of study shall be as prescribed for the subject concerned in Part 2 of the MA(Coursework) Schedule and shall in each case consist of a research dissertation or studio project (60 points), two 500-level HUMS papers (30 points each) from HUMS 501-503, and further papers worth 60 points at 400- or 500-level for the subject concerned, to a total value of 180 points.
• With the permission of the Dean, Director, Head of School, or Head of Program concerned, a candidate may substitute for one required paper a paper of another subject at the same level.
• A candidate shall, before commencing the research dissertation or studio option, secure the approval of the Dean, Director, Head of the School or Head of Program concerned for the topic, the supervisor(s), and the proposed course of the investigation.
• A candidate may not present a research dissertation or studio project which has previously been accepted for another degree.

Subject areas

The degree may be awarded in any of the following subjects:

• Anthropology
• Buddhist Studies
• Childhood and Youth Studies (not available in 2020/21)
• Chinese
• Classics
• Communication Studies
• Education
• English
• Film and Media Studies
• French
• Gender Studies
• Geography
• German
• History
• Indigenous Development / He Kura Matanui
• Japanese
• Linguistics
• Māori Studies
• Music
• Philosophy
• Philosophy, Politics and Economics
• Religious Studies
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Theatre Studies

Level of Award of the Degree

The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

English develops key skills in critical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication, which are essential in all workplaces, and are increasingly sought after by employers.

Our graduates are working as editors, copy-writers and in publishing, as creative writers or journalists, teachers, librarians and educational administrators.

English graduates may be found in the public service, as analysts, diplomats, politicians, and policy-makers. Others have become ministers of religion, arts administrators, and broadcasters.

Otago has an excellent record of preparing students for postgraduate study in English and related disciplines, both in New Zealand and overseas. Recent Otago graduates have gone on to study at top Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, St. Andrews, and Harvard, and Otago graduates hold positions at universities in Britain, Australia, and North America.

Application Details

Applicants must apply online. They should also attach all the necessary supporting documents which includes scanned copies of their previous official academic transcripts (awards gained, marks, grades) with their application, and provide proof of their identity: this is usually achieved by providing a certified copy of the personal details page of their passport or a birth certificate (in English). Applicants must also submit a detailed research proposal that shows they are familiar with current literature surrounding their topic; an up-to date curriculum vitae; and name of the academic staff member with whom they have been in contact; and with an approximate start date. They may also be required to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE). As soon as applicants have completed their online application, their proof of identity document must be posted to International Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. International student applications for semester 1/summer school study close: Oct-31; Semester 2 study close: Apr-30.