The Student Room Group

Universities in New Zealand

I'm currently an undergraduate, but I'll probably be doing a postgraduate degree in the future. What are the universities of Otago and Auckland (particularly the latter) like for postgraduate study? Are they internationally reputed, and what are the two places like to live in? What is the cost of living generally like in NZ?

I'm looking to do an MA in English literature, and would preferably like somewhere cosmopolitan but with good transport links to the countryside.

Thanks for any help!
Reply 1
The universities aren't very good. They have inadequate funding due to New Zealand's small economy. I'd take advantage of being in the USA.
Reply 2
I'd thoroughly recommend either university. Otago is in Dunedin, a student town and although it gets excessively cold down there (it's the southern-most university in the world), it has fantastic lecturers. The South Island is truely beautiful and Dunedin is quite small so travelling around it is easy and travelling round the region is amazing.

Auckland is big and similar to many cities worldwide (slightly smaller though :P). Transport is reasonably good, although they're going to work on making it better. Auckland ranks higher than Otago in most tables but it's worth examining both for postgrad, you need to pick the best course for your needs, not solely on rankings.

Living in NZ is incredible, it is a fantastically beautiful and well worth the experience. Email lecturers at the universities and also look at Victoria University, in Wellington. It's where I did undergrad and I love it there. It's a smaller city than Auckland but is a very arts and culture place.

All fun and games.
Reply 3
I can't comment on the universities in NZ since I know nothing about them (although I've heard of both Uni of Auckland and Otago, so hopefully that says something), but I have to chip in about how beautiful and stunning the country is. I visited it about 3-4 years ago, and if there's any country I re-visit in my lifetime, it'd probably be NZ. The weather is amazing, the scenery is beautiful, the towns are mindblowing, the way of life is slick, etc. I left the country nothing short of impressed and refreshed. =]
Reply 4
Good to hear! Somewhat different to London. It's going to be a bit of a change leaving in September . . . and I miss out on Summer :frown:
Reply 5
fimckenzie
Good to hear! Somewhat different to London. It's going to be a bit of a change leaving in September . . . and I miss out on Summer :frown:

London is going to be worlds apart from New Zealad.. hardly any similarities! I'm sure you'll have a blast there once you fit in and get over the NZ blues. :biggrin: :cool:
Reply 6
Knogle
London is going to be worlds apart from New Zealad.. hardly any similarities! I'm sure you'll have a blast there once you fit in and get over the NZ blues. :biggrin: :cool:


Yeah I was in the UK when I was a kid and so it'll be grand to be there again. Lots of friends and family there too so it's going to be good to catch up with people I haven't seen for AGES!!!!
Reply 7
Where are you headed to in London?
Reply 8
LSE - Msc in Development Management. Living at Passfield. I get to be quite definitely one of the youngest Masters students as far as I can tell.
Reply 9
I think many home students do their Masters at 21-22, fresh out of undergrad studies. So you won't feel out of place. :smile: Unfortunately I'll only do mine when I'm 23-24. :s:
Reply 10
That's good to hear, most Masters students here are at least 24 before they begin. I've always been the youngest in my classes so it'll be nice to be with similar aged people.