Explore environmental issues from new perspectives
Approaching environmental issues through a social science lens helps us understand the causes of difficult environmental problems and explore solutions. Environmental Studies draws together environmental psychology, critical theory, mātauranga Māori, policy, environmental ethics, and science and technology studies.
Explore human and nature connections, and how healthy environments and communities are made. Study a range of topics—from climate justice and sustainability to Māori conservation and environmentalism, and social influence for pro-environmental behaviour change.
As an Environmental Studies student, you’ll gain skills in critical thinking and communication, and to consider multiple perspectives to tackle complex environmental issues.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Your teachers are active scientists and world experts in areas such green energy, geo-hazards, global warming, space science, human geography, volcanology, artificial intelligence, drug development, and viral diseases.
Affiliated centres and institutes
Major research centres and institutes are affiliated with our Faculty of Science and Engineering, including:
Choose your study path
You can major or minor in Environmental Studies as part of either the:
- Bachelor of Environment and Society (BEnvSoc)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc).
Think about your interests and career goals to help decide which degree is right for you. Each degree has unique core courses that you will study regardless of your major or minor.
- The BEnvSoc gives you a firm grasp of the physical processes shaping our world to help you think critically about the causes and effects of environmental problems. A core part of this degree involves fieldwork around the Wellington region. You can major or minor in other subjects spanning social sciences, earth sciences, the humanities, business, education, and design.
- The BSc offers more than 25 science subjects you can mix and match together and enjoy studying both in and outside the classroom in labs and research. The BSc includes a wider range of science subjects.
Degree structure options
Both degrees give you choices for structuring your study—with double majors, second majors from outside degrees, minors, or conjoint degrees. For more information, see the qualification pages available from the study option details below.
Environmental Studies as a major subject in the BSc
Although some BSc major subjects require you to have studied chemistry, mathematics, and physics at school, this isn't a requirement for a major in Environmental Studies.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Environmental Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Environmental Studies graduates work in jobs relating to sustainability, communities, and the environment.
Government ministries employ Environmental Studies graduates in policy, stakeholder relations, communications, and research analyst or advisory roles.
After graduating you could start in an administration or coordination role before progressing to an adviser or senior adviser in a policy team.
You’ll work towards future career options in:
- policy development
- land and water or waste management
- environmental or sustainability advising
- urban planning
- community development
- procurement
- project monitoring and evaluation.
Find out about roles and career pathways, where graduates work, and how to build relevant skills or career connections in your specific area.
Environmental Studies and Environmental Science careers
The type of careers you could have also depend on which degree you choose, and how you structure your study with other majors or minors.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Environmental Studies.
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 first-year and school-leaver 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.
Scholarship for teachers
Teach NZ offers scholarships if you enrol in an approved undergraduate or graduate teaching course.
Scholarships for Environmental Studies
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The award provides financial support to returning or transferring Pasifika students enrolled or intending to enrol in a programme in ecological or environmental sciences the year following application. The award is open to graduates of any university within or outside of New Zealand.
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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$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
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 offer 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 Environmental Studies
-
The award provides financial support to returning or transferring Pasifika students enrolled or intending to enrol in a programme in ecological or environmental sciences the year following application. The award is open to graduates of any university within or outside of New Zealand.
-
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.
Postgraduate study
If you studied for the Bachelor of Science, you may be able to complete an Honours year of study and research in your area of scientific interest.
You could study more advanced-level courses with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Science. Or, you could study for a Master’s degree in a specific area:
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.