University of Otago

Campus and architecture

The main Otago campus occupies a compact site close to Dunedin’s central city. Its built environment mixes nineteenth-century Gothic Revival stone buildings and later modern facilities; the registry or "Clocktower" building is one of the campus’s most recognisable landmarks. Students live both in private accommodation and in residential colleges associated with the university, which contribute to a strong campus life and traditions.

Academic organisation and facilities

Otago comprises several broad academic divisions including Arts and Humanities, Sciences, Commerce, Law, Education and a large Health Sciences faculty that houses programmes in medicine, dentistry and related professions. The university supports research and teaching with a network of libraries: seven libraries on the Dunedin campus, an Education library in Southland and two specialised medical libraries located in Wellington and Christchurch. In total the institution maintains ten libraries with wireless access and study spaces for diverse subject needs.

History and development

Founded in 1869 and opening in 1871, the University of Otago issued degrees through the former University of New Zealand from 1874 until that federal body was dissolved in 1961, after which Otago issued its own degrees. Over its history the university has expanded its academic offerings, research activity and international links while retaining a strong regional identity in the South Island.

Reputation, impact and distinctions

Otago is widely recognised within New Zealand for its contribution to health education and for producing graduates who enter the national workforce in medicine, dentistry, allied health and other professions. It is active in research across the sciences, social sciences and humanities and attracts domestic and international students. Prospective students and researchers can find more information via the university’s official channels and regional campus pages such as those for New Zealand-based study opportunities.

• Notable features: historic campus architecture, residential college life, strong health sciences.
• Facilities: ten libraries, research centres and clinical teaching sites beyond Dunedin.
• Access: undergraduate to doctoral programmes, professional and continuing education.