Advance your skills in information management
Develop specialist knowledge in how information is organised, managed, and used in today’s digital world with the Postgraduate Certificate in Information Studies. It’s perfect if you’re already working in information management and want to update your expertise, or to launch a new information management career.
You’ll explore the principles of information management, digital technologies, and data organisation, and gain practical skills you can apply immediately in professional settings. You’ll also learn to evaluate information systems, manage digital resources, and understand how information supports organisational decisions.
Graduate with a globally recognised qualification, ready for roles in libraries, government agencies, cultural institutions, and private organisations that need to manage information.
Who can study for this qualification
The PGCertIS is great for you if you want:
- a short, focused qualification you can fit around your commitments—perhaps because you’re already working and need to upskill
- to test the waters of postgraduate study before taking Information Studies further at the postgraduate level.
If you choose further study, the more comprehensive Postgraduate Diploma in Information Studies, or even the Master of Information Studies, are both within reach.
What you'll learn
The PGCertIS teaches you the principles and practices of information management that are valuable in professional roles in New Zealand and internationally.
The programme reflects real-world practice and global standards to enhance your professional, marketable skills. It explores how information is created, stored, and used in organisations like libraries and archives, government agencies, and businesses.
Core programme
Your core programme covers key areas like:
- information organisation
- digital technologies
- information retrieval
- records and knowledge management.
Specific courses teach how to design and evaluate information systems, manage digital collections, and use information ethically and effectively. Throughout, the programme emphasises the practical and analytical skills you’ll use every day in your information management career.
Choose from a range of electives
You can also choose two courses from a range of electives related to information management, according to your interests.
Specialisation options
This flexible programme lets you specialise in Archives and Records Management or Library Science.
- To specialise in Archives and Record Management, take courses in Archival Systems (INFO 534) and Managing Current Records (INFO 535).
- To specialise in Library Science, take two courses in Digital Technologies for Information Professionals (INFO 525) and Management of Library Services (INFO 542).
How you'll study
The Postgraduate Certificate in Information Studies is a two-trimester, coursework-based programme, delivered entirely online. Your study is by weekly tutorials, video content, online lectures, and application-oriented activities.
For this programme, you’ll need to complete 60 points by taking four courses—two compulsory courses and two electives.
Some courses are delivered as live online sessions that are recorded for you to watch later, while others include recorded content that you can watch whenever it suits you. Most courses combine both, using the live sessions for discussions and activities.
Flexibility if your needs change
These are flexible postgraduate study options that let you ‘staircase’ your study—that is, you can move between qualifications in some cases, and the courses you study in one qualification can count towards the next one. For example:
- if you’re enrolled in the Certificate, you may be able to convert to the Master’s programme without retaking the courses they share
- 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.
Choose from a range of electives
You can also choose two courses from a range of electives related to information management, according to your interests.
Specialisation options
This flexible programme lets you specialise in Archives and Records Management or Library Science.
- To specialise in Archives and Record Management, take courses in Archival Systems (INFO 534) and Managing Current Records (INFO 535).
- To specialise in Library Science, take two courses in Digital Technologies for Information Professionals (INFO 525) and Management of Library Services (INFO 542).
Part- and full-time study options
You can study part-time for the PGCertIS as long as you complete the qualification within 2 years of enrolling in it.
International students study online
The Master's, Postgraduate Diploma, and Postgraduate Certificate in Information Studies are delivered and assessed entirely online. So if you’re an international student, you’ll study by distance.
You won’t need to travel to New Zealand to complete the qualification, and you won’t be eligible for a student visa to enter New Zealand.
Contact the International Office if you have any questions about studying with us.
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 PGCertIS or the PGDipIS shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree; and
(ii) been accepted by the Director of Information Studies Programmes as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Wellington School of Business and Government for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGCertIS
2. The course of study for the PGCertIS shall consist of courses worth 60 points, including:
(i) The Information Professions (INFO 520) and 522;
(ii) two INFO 500-level courses.
3. (a) A candidate for the PGCertIS shall normally complete the certificate within two years of first enrolling in it.
(b) The director may extend the maximum period in (a) or (b) in special cases.
4. A candidate who has been awarded the PGCertIS shall abandon that qualification upon being awarded the PGDipIS.
International recognition
Wellington School of Business and Government is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide that hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of international business education accreditations. By studying here, you can be confident your qualification will be recognised globally for its quality.
Future careers
The Postgraduate Certificate in Information Studies is an excellent starting point for a career in information management, in New Zealand or abroad. The programme prepares you for roles like:
- library or information services officer
- archives or records assistant
- digital‑content specialist.
You’ll find these roles within public and academic libraries, national archives, government departments, heritage and cultural institutions, or private‑sector organisations.
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 Business and Government
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Applicants must be of Māori descent, identify as female, enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Wellington School of Business and Government. Grade point average (GPA) or grade point equivalent (GPE) of at least 6.00 is required.
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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 Business and Government
-
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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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.
Further research or study
Our Postgraduate Information Studies qualifications are ‘staircased’—you can move freely between them if you meet the prerequisites and complete courses that the qualifications share.
For example, once you’ve completed the Postgraduate Certificate, you can move to the Postgraduate Diploma or the Master of Information Studies.
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.