Learn the science and drive change
Help prepare Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific for future natural hazards with this specialised postgraduate degree.
This career-oriented degree has a dual focus: understanding the science behind natural hazards and the policies that shape responses. You’ll also learn how you can influence change.
Postgraduate Natural Hazards Policy and Science combines science with economics, policy, and planning. Our proximity to government will help you build strong skills in analysis and leadership for the natural hazard sector.
Who can study for this qualification
To study for the Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy (MNHSP), you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree with a B+ grade.
What you’ll learn
You'll develop a thorough understanding of the natural hazards affecting New Zealand and the South Pacific. You’ll learn about the data and methods used to assess both short- and long-term impacts, and explore the political and social frameworks involved in mitigating natural hazards.
The MNHSP also covers:
- active earth processes
- concepts of hazards and risk
- contrasting perspectives on hazard and risk in New Zealand
- natural hazard policy and planning
- the importance of Mātauranga Māori for natural hazard research
- Tikanga Māori approaches to natural hazard management.
How you’ll study
The 180-point MNHSP includes both coursework and the option of research or an internship. Studying full time, you’ll complete the MNHSP in one year.
You’ll study through a combination of assignments, group work projects, oral presentations, a written research project report, term tests, written examinations, workplace reports, and self-reflections.
The MNHSP has three parts.
Part 1
You’ll complete four core courses worth 60 points which cover:
- the fundamental science behind natural hazards
- natural hazards that occur in New Zealand
- perspectives on natural hazards
- policy and planning.
Part 2
You’ll complete four elective courses worth 60 points from a range of subjects:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Environmental Studies
- Earth Science
- Geography
- Government
- Geophysics
- Physical Geography
- Planning
- Science Communication.
Part 3
You’ll complete a 60-point final course of either:
- an internship placement with an natural-hazard organisation
- a research project where you design, conduct, and report on a natural-hazard-related topic.
Our Natural Hazard Science and Policy qualifications
We offer three postgraduate Natural Hazard Science and Policy qualifications. These are ’staircased’, meaning that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.
- The Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy is the most comprehensive option. It includes eight courses and your choice of an internship or research project.
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Hazard Science and Policy has in-depth study over eight courses.
- The Postgraduate Certificate in Natural Hazard Science and Policy is an opportunity for specialised professional development and can be a step towards higher study. It includes four courses.
Part-time study options
Studying part time, you can complete the MNHSP over a maximum of two 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 MNHSP degree shall have:
(i) completed an undergraduate degree with a B+ grade average or better in a relevant subject; and
(ii) been accepted by the Programme Director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Science for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides equivalent preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MNHSP
2. (a) The course of study for the MNHSP shall consist of courses worth 180 points, comprising:
Part 1: Active Earth (GEOS 401), Natural Hazards and Risk (GEOS 402), Contemporary Perspectives on Natural Hazards and Risk in Aotearoa (GEOS 403), Natural Hazard Policy and Planning (GEOS 404)
Part 2: 60 further points from the Schedule to the MNHSP, or other courses approved by Programme Director, other than Natural Hazard Science and Policy Practicum (GEOS 560) and Natural Hazard Science and Policy Research Project (GEOS 561)
Part 3: Natural Hazard Science and Policy Practicum (GEOS 560) or 561
(b) A candidate who has had extensive professional or scholarly experience may be exempted up to 60 points from the qualification requirements, as long as the student attains at least 40 points at NZQF Level 9.
3. A full-time candidate whose course of study includes all parts shall be enrolled for at least three trimesters. The degree must be completed within three years. The Associate Dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
4. Continuation to Part 3 requires a B+ (or better) average in Part 1, or permission of the Head of School.
Future careers
The MNHSP will prepare you for leadership roles in:
- regional and national organisations tasked with geohazards monitoring and natural hazard management
- public- and private-sector agencies conducting hazard assessments across a broad suite of natural hazards
- policy development and planning within local, regional, and national government agencies.
More career information
Find out more about careers in data science.
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 Science
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These scholarships are open to full-time or transferring students enrolling in a Master’s programme in Chemistry at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences or in a Master’s programme at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in Creative Writing supports a student who has been accepted into the MA in Creative Writing. With one application deadline each year.
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 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 Science and Engineering
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These scholarships are open to full-time or transferring students enrolling in a Master’s programme in Chemistry at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences or in a Master’s programme at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington.
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The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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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.
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.
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
Jamie Howarth
Professor
John Townend
Professor of Geophysics
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.