Connect ideas, policy, and decision-making
In today's increasingly complex and unpredictable world, we need more thinkers who can grasp the dynamics of politics and society—people who can help create stronger and more effective government and non-governmental organisations.
This degree combines three complementary disciplines to give you a broad understanding of the world and social decision-making.
Study the only postgraduate degree of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand—from the vantage point of New Zealand’s capital city. Get a head start in your career in politics, government, or the public service.
Who can study for this qualification
The Master of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (MPPE) is designed for those have completed an undergraduate degree, who are looking to start a career in government, or those who want to boost their career.
You'll get the opportunity to gain experience and connect with employers through the internship, while also developing advanced research skills and exploring academia through the research component.
To enrol, you need a Bachelor's degree with a B average. You also need to have completed at least 40 points at 300 level in Economics, International Relations, Philosophy, Political Science, or Public Policy.
What you’ll learn
Combining the three disciplines—politics, philosophy, and economics—gives you a well-rounded range of practical and theoretical skills.
Studying Philosophy will develop your skills in logical reasoning and your knowledge of ethics and political philosophy. Economics will teach you the the principles of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and finance. Politics will give you knowledge of political institutions, global governance, and processes, and their impact on society.
By approaching issues from the combined perspectives of the three disciplines, you’ll refine your ability to apply critical and reflective thinking, logic, and persuasion to solve problems. You’ll learn to critically examine concepts related to politics, liberty, and justice.
Apply what you learn with an internship
You'll also have the opportunity to complete an internship that will build on what you have learnt. You'll be placed in a workplace such as a government ministry or other agency where you'll gain real-world experience and valuable insights into the workings of government and society.
How you’ll study
You'll study for your MPPE in two parts.
In Part 1, you'll complete a 30-point core course—Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PHPE 401)—and five further courses from the individual disciplines.
If you only complete Part 1 of the degree, you may be able to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.
Internship and research project
In Part 2, you'll do a 30-point research project that builds on what you've studied in Part 1. You'll also complete a 160-hour internship in a relevant workplace so you can put your skills and knowledge into practice. Alternatively, you can replace the internship with a more extensive research project or extra coursework.
Most of your courses will be taught through two-hour seminars. For your research project, you'll be supported by a supervisor in a relevant discipline.
Duration and workload
You'll study for your MPPE over three trimesters, or one calendar year.
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.
Part-time study options
If you're studying part time, you're likely to take two years, and must complete the degree within three years of enrolling.
Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week.
Alternatives to the MPPE
An alternative to the MPPE is the Master of Political Science, which suits people who want to specialise and work in politics, government, or public affairs.
You could also study for the Master of Arts in Philosophy or Economics.
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 MPPE degree shall have:
(i) completed an undergraduate degree, with a B grade average or better; and
(ii) completed at least 40 300-level points in Economics, International Relations, Philosophy, Political Science, or Public Policy; and
(iii) been accepted by the relevant Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) programme director as capable of completing the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(ii) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) in 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 MPPE
2. (a) Except as provided in section 4, the course of study for the MPPE degree shall consist of the following courses from the Schedule to the MPPE regulations.
Part 1: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PHPE 401); 30 pts from PHPE 402–409; Political Philosophy / Te Aho Whakaaro o te Ariā Tōrangapū (PHIL 449) and 15 further pts from PHIL 400–499; Approaches to Comparative Political Science (POLS 586)
Part 2: Dissertation (PHPE 593) or Research Project (PHPE 589), and either Philosophy, Politics and Economics Internship (PHPE 590) or30 points of approved courses by the programme director
(b) Part 1 should normally be completed before a candidate proceeds to Part 2.
3. A candidate for the MPPE shall normally be enrolled for at least three trimesters, and complete the degree within three years of first enrolling. The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Note: A candidate who passes all the requirements for the MPPE except for the research project (Research Project (PHPE 589)) and PPE internship (Philosophy, Politics and Economics Internship (PHPE 590)) may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts).
Why Wellington
As New Zealand’s political capital, Wellington is the seat of power. That makes it perhaps the best place in the country to study politics.
Here you can visit the Beehive, have lunch in Parliament grounds, attend Question Time, and see the rough and tumble of politics-in-the-making. The University's Wellington location and strong ties with the public sector make it easier to build networks through collaborative projects, policy seminars, and internships with policy agencies.
You’ll have the chance to listen to guest lectures from leaders in the public service, policy professionals, and government ministers.
Future careers
MPPE graduates often work in intermediate to senior roles in policy, economics, and research where specialised and in-depth analysis is important. You’ll gain skills and knowledge sought after by many government and other employers.
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 the MPPE
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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.
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In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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 the MPPE
-
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.
-
In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
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
As New Zealand’s political capital, Wellington is the seat of power. That makes it perhaps the best place in the country to study politics.
Here you can visit the Beehive, have lunch in Parliament grounds, attend Question Time, and see the rough and tumble of politics-in-the-making. The University's Wellington location and strong ties with the public sector make it easier to build networks through collaborative projects, policy seminars, and internships with policy agencies.
You’ll have the chance to listen to guest lectures from leaders in the public service, policy professionals, and government ministers.
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
Fiona Barker
Head of School
Richard Joyce
Professor
Simon Keller
Professor of Philosophy
Stephen Levine
Professor
Jack Robles
Associate Professor
Jesse Spafford
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.