Postgraduate study
The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers exciting and challenging postgraduate programmes in an extensive range of disciplines. You can choose from:
- postgraduate certificates and diplomas—for professional development or preparation for further postgraduate study (one year)
- one-year Master's programmes in a range of subjects
- research-focused Master’s degrees
- PhD study—in which you complete a major piece of original research (minimum three years).
Whichever path you choose, our qualifications will equip you for a rewarding career in your chosen area of science or engineering.
The combination of teaching excellence, world-class facilities, and top-level research supervision—all in a friendly, supportive environment—makes study in our faculty a great experience.
Research focus
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Bachelor of Science with Honours
Build on your Bachelor's degree with advanced study and research in your area of scientific interest.
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Doctor of Philosophy
Pursue sustained research under the guidance of an academic supervisor, and make an original contribution to your field through a PhD.
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Master of Engineering by thesis
Build on your BE(Hons), hone your skills, and improve your career prospects with advanced study in modern, high-tech engineering.
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Master of Science by thesis
Complete advanced study in science and carry out independent and original research in your area of scientific interest.
Career focus
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One-year Master's
With our one-year Master's degrees, you can gain an internationally recognised qualification in just one year of full-time study.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Gain a more in-depth understanding of your scientific subject area and boost your career opportunities.
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Graduate Diploma in Science
Broaden your career horizons with advanced undergraduate study in science, and gain skills and knowledge in your new subject area.
Specialist postgraduate programmes
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Master of Actuarial Science
Kick start your career as an actuary with New Zealand's only Master’s-level actuarial science qualification.
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Master of Applied Statistics
Advance your Bachelor's degree with postgraduate study and professional training in statistical techniques.
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Master of Artificial Intelligence
Gain advanced AI skills and conceptual understanding through coursework and research.
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Master of Biomedical Science
Advance your Bachelor's or Honours degree and gain highly developed research skills with postgraduate study in Biomedical Science.
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Master of Chemistry
Combine strong scientific training in chemistry with real-world skills in policy, regulation, communication, and industry practice.
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Master of Climate Change Science and Policy
Gain insight into climate change challenges in science and policy-making with this multi-disciplinary degree.
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Master of Communication
Refine your knowledge of the theory and practice of communication with a Master of Communication specialising in Science Communication.
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Master of Computer Science
Advance your knowledge and skills in the fast-growing world of digital technology with a Master of Computer Science.
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Master of Conservation Biology
Get the scientific expertise you need to work in conservation in New Zealand and around the world with a one-year, professionally focused Master’s.
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Master of Data Science
Apply a fusion of mathematics, computer science, statistics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to solve real-world problems.
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Master of Development Studies
Expand on your Bachelor's degree and improve your knowledge and skills with in-depth study of development.
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Master of Drug Discovery and Development
Learn about drug discovery, design, and development from a research organisation with experience translating lab innovations into market-ready solutions.
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Master of Engineering Practice
Fast-track your career in engineering with a one-year programme that will give you solid practical and industry experience.
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Master of Environmental Science
The state of the planet is one of the biggest issues facing humankind today. Gain the knowledge and experience to become a skilled environmental scientist.
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Master of Environmental Studies
Build on your Bachelor's degree and study what shapes our environment, how it shapes us, and how to structure better relationships with it.
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Master of Marine Conservation
Get real-world experience and develop in-depth understanding of marine conservation principles and practices, both here and oversesas.
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Master of Meteorology
Become an expert in climate and weather prediction with New Zealand's only postgraduate qualifications in Meteorology.
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Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy
Help prepare New Zealand and the South Pacific for future natural hazards with this specialised postgraduate degree.
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Master of Science in Society
Use traditional knowledge, the arts, and the humanities to communicate science and respond to pressing issues facing society today.
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Master of Software Development
Change direction and start a new career in software development with this industry-focused degree.
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Master of Space Science and Practice
Gain specialist knowledge in space science, along with practical skills that connect to fields like engineering, education, health, and government.
Programmes in Clinical Research
If you’re interested in studying Psychology, you can do so through the School of Psychological Sciences, which is now part of the Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences.
Certificates and diplomas
Not ready for a Master’s just yet? Or perhaps you want to pursue professional development or advanced study in an area or your interest. We have other offerings that could be perfect for you.
Our certificate and diploma qualifications let you select courses based on your needs and interests, spanning all the specialisations we offer.
Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Science
If you have an undergraduate degree—in any subject—you can enrol in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Science. You can use these qualifications to fill in gaps in your knowledge or prepare yourself for further study at postgraduate level.
If you want to study entry-level and intermediate-level courses up to 300 level, consider:
Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Science
If you have a Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering subject, you may be able to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Science. These qualifications involve study at a more advanced level, and they can be a stepping stone towards a Master’s degree.
If you want to study advanced courses at 400 or 500 level, consider:
PGCertPS
The 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies (PGCertPS) is a flexible qualification that you can customise to match your study goals and boost your professional development.
Through the PGCertPS, you can choose 400- and 500-level courses that focus on a specific area of science or engineering, such as:
- data science
- geohazard communication
- environmental management and climate change
- evolution, culture, and behaviour
- future technology
- statistics.
Alternatively, you could mix science, engineering, and other courses from across the University to build a fully customised qualification.
Find out more about the PGCertPS in Science and the PGCertPS in Data Science and Statistics.
Plan your study
Visit our site for future students to explore what you can study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington whether you're starting your university studies, extending your degree, or looking to develop professionally.
If you have questions about what to study, book an appointment with one of our friendly team of advisers. They can talk you through all our qualification options and how our degrees work, create a course plan with you, and answer any questions you have about admission, enrolment, accommodation, and scholarships.
- Book a study advice appointment
- Explore all postgraduate study options
- Learn about postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and degrees
Doctoral study
The Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) provides the first port of call for all students interested in enrolling in a PhD at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
The FGR website provides application forms, details of available funding, application dates, and answers to a host of questions. You’ll be supported by the FGR team throughout your time as a doctoral student.