Advance your public sector career
This 12-month Master’s degree raises your political science expertise for senior roles in the public service and elsewhere.
You’ll study politics where it happens—in Aotearoa New Zealand's capital city. Get a close-up view of how political decisions are made, and a broad perspective by contrasting New Zealand politics with other countries. Choose courses in your field, or broaden your options with study in related disciplines like International Relations and Strategic Studies.
Build the analytical and research skills, and take advantage of the University’s connections in the capital and around the world.
Who can study for this qualification
The Master of Political Science (MPols) could suit you if you’re:
- a recent graduate in Politics or a related subject and who wants an advanced qualification to stand out in the job market
- a working professional who wants to launch or develop a career in politics, government, or public affairs.
It’s a 12-month qualification that doesn’t require an Honours degree to enrol—so it’s a good option if you want to fast-track your career.
To enrol in this degree, you need a Bachelor’s degree or a Graduate Diploma in Political Science, International Relations or Public Policy. You should have at least a B grade average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject or in a relevant area of study.
Postgraduate Political Science qualifications
We offer two specialised postgraduate qualifications in Political Science.
The 180-point Master of Political Science provides the most comprehensive study, as it combines coursework with a research dissertation. It’s delivered over three trimesters of full-time study.
The 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science has in-depth study and includes the same courses as the Master’s, but without the research dissertation. It’s delivered over two trimesters of full-time study.
These qualifications are ‘staircased’—if you complete the Diploma and decide to keep studying, the courses you've completed can count towards the Master’s.
What you'll learn
The MPols is a one year, three-trimester degree. It gives you the chance to gain:
- the core knowledge needed to understand political systems, policy processes, and government in New Zealand and around the world
- the ability to design, interpret, and apply Political Science research.
Learn essential approaches to Political Science
You’ll choose from a range of courses spanning political thought, leadership, representation, political participation, and political action.
For example, your core coursework focuses on the different methods and perspectives used in Political Science. You’ll learn:
- the theoretical perspectives and research methodologies used in Political Science
- how to apply those perspectives and methodologies to empirical questions in contemporary politics.
Choose your Political science topics
You then choose Political Science courses according to your interests and goals. For example, you might study:
- contemporary democratic theory
- political leadership
- media, politics, and campaigns
- the politics of Pacific Island states, including New Zealand’s role in the Oceania region
- the government and politics of Aotearoa New Zealand
- migration studies.
You can also complement your Political Science courses with approved International Relations and Strategic Studies courses. Check out our website for the complete list of course options, or talk to the School for more information.
Gain practical experience: apply for a parliamentary internship
MPolS students can apply for our Parliamentary Internship Programme—your chance to work in New Zealand's Parliament.
You gain practical experience of New Zealand’s political processes, and what’s it like to work as a politician or civil servant. You’ll learn the:
- roles and responsibilities of members of Parliament
- functions and activities of the research units
- conduct of select committees and the activities of parliamentary parties.
You might help MPs by doing research on policy or proposed legislation, writing speeches, or running the MP's social media channels.
How you'll study
The 180-point MPols is delivered over three trimesters in two parts: coursework and research.
The MPols usually takes 12 months for full-time students
Part 1: coursework
The taught component in the first two trimesters starts with a core course: Approaches to Comparative Political Science. You’ll then choose three other courses offered that year in either:
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Strategic Studies.
Many courses are taught in person, although some are available entirely online. You’ll need to attend weekly seminar sessions on campus.
Part 2: research
For the research component in Trimester 3, you complete 60 points by choosing either:
- a dissertation—a research paper on an aspect of Political Science
- a supervised research thesis and one further course in Political Science, International Relations, or Strategic Studies.
Part-time study options
If you’re a domestic student you can study part time 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 MPols degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree or a Graduate Diploma in Political Science, International Relations, or Public Policy, or 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 (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MPols
The course of study for the MPols shall consist of:
Part 1:
(a) Approaches to Comparative Political Science (POLS 586); and
(b) 60 points from POLS 400–489; and
(c) 30 further points from POLS 400–488, INTP 400–488 New Zealand Foreign and Security Policy (STRA 515), STRA 530–539.
Part 2:
Either:
(a) Dissertation (POLS 593); or
(b) Research Project (POLS 589) and 30 further points from POLS 400–488, INTP 400–488 New Zealand Foreign and Security Policy (STRA 515), STRA 530–539.
4. The head of school may exempt from Part 1(a) a candidate who has mastered the material covered in that course through previous study and/or practical experience. Except where the material was covered in courses at postgraduate level, the candidate shall replace exempted courses with approved electives of equivalent points value.
6. A full-time candidate shall normally complete the requirements of the degree by 28 February in the year after first enrolling for it, and a part-time candidate shall normally complete the requirements for the degree by 28 February in the second year after first enrolling. The associate dean may extend those periods in special cases.
Future careers
The MPols gives you the advanced expertise for senior roles in:
- government
- public service and policy analysis
- international relations and diplomacy
- academic research or teaching
- journalism.
Government organisations, for example, often employ graduates in policy, stakeholder relations, communications, and research analyst or advisory roles.
Postgraduate Political Science graduates often find work in:
- political environments
- non-profits
- NGOs
- government departments.
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 Postgraduate Political Science
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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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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
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The L G Peacocke Scholarship is designed to support students intending to embark upon an Honours degree or a Masters degree in the disciplines of Politics, International Relations, Strategic Studies, Public Policy, or Economics.
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 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.
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This scholarship has been established by the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
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.
Research areas
Our Political Science and International Relations academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
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.