Positive change through real-world research
Deepen your knowledge in areas such as urban, economic, migration, social, and cultural geography. Develop strong research and communication skills as you explore how people interact with their environments and ask how these interactions can inform more just and sustainable futures.
Postgraduate Geography at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is grounded in applied, action-oriented research and a strong commitment to social and environmental justice. Many courses are shaped by our close connections with national, regional, and local government agencies, NGOs, and consulting firms.
You might carry out research in collaboration with Crown Research Institutes, or through our staff’s long-standing connections in Asia, the Pacific, or Latin America. You’ll have the chance to build valuable networks and produce research that informs policy, practice, and positive change.
Choose your study path
There are several ways that you can study Postgraduate Geography with us. Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you’ll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you’ll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
You'll find more details on each qualification page.
Focus on coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Science
- Graduate Certificate in Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Science
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science
- Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Coursework and research
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Science (coursework)
- Master of Arts (coursework)
Focus on research
- Master of Science (thesis)
- Master of Arts
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Geography at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Strong links with New Zealand’s research community
Take advantage of the School's strong ties with Public Research Organisations like Bioeconomy Science Institute Maianga Taiao and Earth Sciences New Zealand, and other organisations like Te Papa.
These partnerships offer you the chance to work alongside experienced researchers and practitioners, access cutting-edge facilities, and contribute to real-world projects.
Globally ranked
Our Geography subjects are ranked in the top 150 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Future careers
By studying Postgraduate Geography, you'll graduate with valuable skills for a range of jobs. You could work in:
- urban and regional planning
- geospatial analysis
- environmental consulting
- policy analysis or research roles in economic, social development, health, or transport agencies.
You’ll be well positioned to find work in central government agencies such as:
- Statistics New Zealand
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
- Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand
- NZTA Waka Kotahi
- Ministry for Social Development.
You could also find work in district health boards, not-for-profit organisations, and the creative, communications, and education sectors. People who have a good understanding of social and economic development issues are also in demand from many businesses in New Zealand.
You may also choose to continue your studies with a PhD, and move into an academic or research career.
More career information
Find out more about careers in geography.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for geography
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The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for postgraduate geography
-
The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Research opportunities
You’ll have the chance to develop research expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Your research work may involve drawing on high-quality international surveys and a range of data sets addressing countries, regions, and even small communities.
- Qualitative work might include participatory techniques that involve and empower the people or community you are researching.
In many of our research streams, you’ll be encouraged to complete fieldwork. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn how to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Research topics
Focus on your area of interest or develop a project connected to your supervisor's research. Supervisors' current research areas include:
- subjective wellbeing and geographies of happiness
- women, migration, and displacement
- geospatial modelling of residential and transport decisions
- creative practice and social change
- indigenous tourism and development
- refugee resettlement
- geographies of housing and labour markets
- participatory, creative, and collaborative methodologies
- geographies of gender
- impacts of globalisation
- environmental democracy and justice
- Māori peacemaking and the city
- geographies of aid and development
- public participation GIS.
You’ll be working closely with award-winning staff who are widely published in respected international journals and are ranked among New Zealand's top researchers in social science.
Specialist research groups
You may have the opportunity to work closely with the two main research groups in Geography.
In other related research groups, Geography overlaps with Development Studies or Environmental Studies.
Academic staff research areas
Mairead de Roiste
Deputy Head of School
Valentine Ibeka
Lecturer, Human Geography and Development Studies
Marcela Palomino-Schalscha
Senior Lecturer
Katharine McKinnon
Professor
Sara Kindon
Professor
Mirjam Schindler
Senior Lecturer in Human Geography
Polly Stupples
Senior Lecturer in Human Geography
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.