Understand migration in depth
Migration is increasingly a high-priority issue for governments and organisations around the world. The multi-disciplinary Master of Migration Studies (MMigS) gives you a deep understanding of migration issues to prepare for careers in the migration, or for further advanced study.
This degree draws on many academic disciplines to deepen your knowledge of the central questions in migration. Explore what what drives migration, the challenges and opportunities it creates, and the consequences of forced and voluntary migration. You’ll mix coursework with focused research on a topic of interest, like the refugee crisis in Europe, or immigration as an election issue.
You'll develop your critical thinking, communication, and research skills. You may also gain work experience—you could also take an internship with a migration-oriented organisation.
Who can study for this qualification
The MMigs suits you if you’ve graduated with a degree in a related social-science discipline (like Political Science, or International Relations, and now want to focus on migration issues.
You might also be working already—for example:
- you’re already working with refugee or migrant populations—with an NGO, a non-profit, or an organisation like the UNHCR—and need a thorough foundation in the theory of migration to advance your career
- you’re working in government as a policy professional who needs specialised expertise in migration.
You might also by interested in an academic career and need a pathway to a PhD.
To enrol, you need a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average or similar in a relevant subject, like Geography, History, Political Science, International Relations, or Public Policy. We might waive the degree requirement if you have equivalent experience.
Our postgraduate Migration Studies qualifications
We offer three Postgraduate Migration Studies qualifications. These are ‘staircased’, so that courses completed for one qualification can count towards the next step.
The 180-point Master of Migration Studies provides the most comprehensive study, as it combines coursework with a work placement and practical translation project.
The 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Migration Studies has in-depth study through coursework, but no work placement or translation project.
The 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Migration Studies is an opportunity for professional development over two courses. You can also use it to explore postgraduate study before you commit to the Postgraduate Diploma Master’s.
What you’ll learn
The MMigS recognises that migration is a high-priority issue for government and organisations around the world. Your degree brings different fields of study together to explore what drives migration and its consequences.
It equips you to analyse migration policy, understand migration challenges from different perspectives, and use evidence-based analysis to answer complex migration questions.
Throughout, you'll develop critical thinking, communications and research skills.
The core course: Approaches to Migration Studies
The core course introduces the study of migration from a range of disciplinary perspectives. You’ll look at:
- the central issues, concepts, theories, and debates in the analysis of migration
- how key disciplines—international relations, politics, geography, anthropology, law and psychology—helps us understand international migration's causes and consequences.
You’ll also prepare a research proposal on a topic related to international migration, which you use in the second part of your degree (see below) to write your research project or essay.
Elective courses
Depending on your choices of electives, you might study:
- the causes and consequences of human mobility, including refugee flows and highly skilled migrants
- the global history of migration
- the connection between settler colonialism and migration
- management of international migration from a political perspective
- the emotional geographies of forced migration
- the displacement of peoples by climate change, conflict, disasters, and human right abuses, the challenges this raises, and how state and non-state actors respond
- pursue individual study in an area of migration studies, guided by one of our migration experts.
How you’ll study
The MMigS is a 12-month, three trimester qualification for which you need to complete 180 points — five to six courses. You’ll learn through a combination of a core course, elective courses, and either self-directed research or a practical work placement.
You can complete the MMigS in one calendar year of full-time study. Your study is divided into two parts.
Part 1: coursework
In Part 1 of your degree, you'll complete four 30-point courses: the core course (Approaches to Migration Studies), and three electives.
For most of your courses, you'll attend one three-hour seminar each week for classroom discussions. You may be asked to deliver a presentation at some seminars.
You’ll have to attend most of your courses in person. Some lecturers may let you attend their courses online—check the course outline and discuss it with the lecturer.
You need to complete Part 1 with at least a B+ average to proceed to Part 2.
Taking courses from other subjects
You may be able to substitute up to 60 points worth of courses in Part 1 with other migration-focused courses, with the programme director’s approval.
courses are 15 points, so you’ll need two courses to make up 30 points.
Part 2: research essay or internship
In the second half of your studies, you have a choice:
- complete a 60-point research essay that builds on your research proposal in Part 1 of the degree
- take an internship (if available) at a workplace involved in migration.
An internship isn’t guaranteed—it depends on the University and a suitable organisation agreeing to make one available. If you’re able to take an internship, you’ll also complete a 30-point research project.
For your research essay, you’ll be guided by one of our migration experts. Possible topics and courses include:
- human rights
- forced migration
- migration and identity.
Discuss your options with the programme director.
Part-time study options
Studying part time, you can complete the MMigS over a maximum of three years.
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.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MMigS degree shall have
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area with at least a B grade average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject or relevant area of study; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement 1(a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a candidate who has had extensive practical professional, or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MMigS
2. (a) The course of study for the Master of Migration Studies shall consist of courses worth 180 points consisting of:
Part 1: Approaches to Migration Studies / Ngā Tukanga Tātai Hekenga Tangata (POLS 488) and 90 points from GEOG 416, HIST 429, The Politics of International Migration Management (INTP 430), Directed Individual Study / He Mahi Takitahi i te Mātai Hekenga (MIGS 401), Collisions and Coexistence: Living Together in Diverse and Unequal Societies (POLS 406), Borders, Migrants and States / Ngā Rohenga, Ngā Tangata heke me ngā Whenua (POLS 416)
Part 2: Either Research Essay (MIGS 590) or (Internship (MIGS 588), Research Project (MIGS 589))
(b) Entry to Part 2 requires at least a B+ average in Part 1 courses.
3. (a) A candidate shall normally be enrolled for one year and shall complete the degree within three years of first enrolling in it. The associate dean may extend that maximum period in special cases.
(b) The associate dean in consultation with the head of school may extend maximum periods in special cases.
Future careers
The MMigS deepens your knowledge of migration issues, and boosts your research, communication, and critical analysis skills that are valuable for careers in:
- policy analysis
- research
- international development
- community development
- refugee resettlement.
Graduates often find work in:
- governments and public sector agencies in New Zealand and abroad
- international organisations
- NGOs
- media
- research organisations
- universities and other educational institutions, with further doctorate-level study.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying English at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma 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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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.
Why Wellington
By studying in Wellington, you'll be able to combine your academic study with direct observations of how New Zealand’s migration policy is made and how it translates in practice. You’ll have access to access to national-level policy debates, parliamentary processes, and the concentrated expertise of government migration specialists.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of our links with national organisations that deal with migration, such as Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Red Cross.
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to do a PhD—the highest-level qualification we offer.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research, supervised by our world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Academic staff research areas
Ayca Arkilic
Senior Lecturer
Fiona Barker
Head of School
Steve Behrendt
Associate Professor
Brigitte Bonisch-Brednich
Council Member
Stephen Epstein
Head of School
April Henderson
Presenter
Sara Kindon
Professor
Kate McMillan
Associate Professor
Julija Sardelic
Senior Lecturer
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.