Explore opportunities for transformations in justice
Critically examine crime, harm, justice, social systems, and how we respond to victims and offenders.
Gain advanced skills in criminological theory and methods. Apply your analytical and problem-solving skills to assess the real-world effects of criminal justice policy and practice.
If you’ve completed your undergraduate study and are interested in moving on to postgraduate study—or if you’re aiming for a career in criminal justice or a related sector—our Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology is the perfect next step.
Who can study for this qualification
The Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology is suitable if you're interested in gaining advanced research skills—or if you're aiming for a career in criminal justice or a related sector. The PGCertCrim can count towards a Master of Criminology.
You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a B grade average in Criminology or a related or relevant subject.
Limited entry
Entry to our coursework Postgraduate Criminology qualifications is limited to 30 students each year.
To apply, you'll need a Bachelor's degree or relevant qualification with at least a B average in Criminology, or a relevant subject. Applications are then assessed on overall GPA and your capacity to complete study in Postgraduate Criminology.
Priority is given to students who've completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology. Other relevant subjects that may be considered for entry on a case-by-case basis include:
- social sciences
- psychology
- public policy
- law.
Our coursework Postgraduate Criminology qualifications
These qualifications are ‘staircased’—they allow movement in both directions.
If you begin by enrolling in the Certificate or Diploma programme, you may be able to continue on to complete a Master‘s degree. Or if you enrol in the Master‘s but can't complete it for some reason, you may have completed enough courses to graduate with the Certificate or Diploma.
Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology
This 60-point qualification can be a step towards higher study. It can also be an opportunity for specialised professional development. Studying full time, you can complete it in a single trimester.
Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology
Longer than a Certificate, a Diploma allows you to do more in-depth study.
Studying full time, you‘ll complete the 120-point Diploma over two trimesters.
Master of Criminology
This provides the most comprehensive study as it includes coursework and a research dissertation. The 180-point degree is delivered over three trimesters, which is one year.
What you’ll learn
You’ll address the social and political realities of crime. You’ll consider the intersections of violence, harm, and power in our society and explore processes of criminalisation.
You’ll critically examine responses to crime and victimisation—the role and impact of policing, prisons and community-based alternatives, the experience of victims, and how crime is perceived by the public.
How you’ll study
You’ll develop a critical mindset that will give you a sound framework for evaluating a variety of real-world scenarios. You’ll also improve your written and spoken communication.
Full-time and part-time study options
You can study the PGCertCrim full time or part time.
You can complete the PGCertCrim in one trimester of full-time study. Studying part time, it may take three trimesters.
Students can expect a workload of around 14 hours a week. Part-time students will need to do around seven hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
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.
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 PGCertCrim degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, with an average grade of B or better; and
(ii) been accepted by the programme director as capable of completing the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) 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 PGCertCrim
2. A candidate who completes Criminology Theory (CRIM 430), Criminology Research Methods (CRIM 431); and 30 further 400-level points from the MCrim schedule may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology (PGCertCrim).
3. (a) A candidate who has been awarded the PGCertCrim or PGDipCrim shall abandon that qualification on being awarded the MCrim.
(b) A candidate who has been awarded the PGCertCrim shall abandon that qualification on being awarded the PGDipCrim.
Future careers
The critical thinking, research, and analytical skills you'll develop are valued across many sectors beyond traditional criminology roles.
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.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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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 English Literature 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.
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.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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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 was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
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
Make the most of our decades of study and scholarship—our Institute of Criminology was established in 1974. We’re internationally renowned for world-leading research and teaching in Criminology.
There’s no better place to study Criminology in Aotearoa New Zealand.
As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of decision-making around crime. Study where crime policy gets made and engage with those making it. The main agencies for reducing crime and building safer communities are based in Wellington, including with the Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, and Police National Headquarters.
Study for the Master of Criminology
If you do well in your PGCertCrim, you may go on to study a Master’s degree.
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.