Expand your skills and expertise in development
Deepen your expertise and contribute to local or global development. Explore theories of inequality and the stark differences in living standards worldwide, and within Aotearoa New Zealand—as well as how to address them.
Examine how relationships between people, institutions, and societies drive social, political, economic, and environmental change. Learn how these connections affect communities at local, national, and global levels.
In your Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies, you’ll focus on community engagement and social action, while building an understanding of different approaches to development research. You’ll also develop skills in project planning and learn to apply your expertise with sensitivity across different cultures.
Who can study for this qualification
The Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies is a flexible one-year programme—well suited to those balancing study with work or other responsibilities.
It’s a great option if you're already in the workforce and are looking to update or expand your skills, or if you're a recent graduate wanting to build on your undergraduate degree.
You’ll need a B average in your undergraduate degree to apply.
What you’ll learn
You’ll complete two core courses, where you’ll explore development theory and research approaches. For the remainder of the programme, you’ll select relevant courses from Development Studies and Geography as well as other fields to best align with your interests.
After you enrol in the programme, you’ll need to plan your course of study with the programme coordinator.
Community and collaboration
Development Studies at Victoria University of Wellington is a vibrant field, rooted in community. You’ll work alongside other postgraduate students in areas like Environmental Studies and Geography. Through field trips and guest speakers, you’ll build connections with specialists working in agencies like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) as well as NGOs and community groups.
Depending on your focus, you may have the opportunity to conduct research in Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas, applying your knowledge to contemporary global challenges.
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 PGDipDevStud shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree; and
(ii) been accepted by the director of the postgraduate programme in Development Studies as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipDevStud
2. The course of study for the PGDipDevStud shall consist of courses worth at least 120 points, including:
(i) Development Theory: Socio-spatial Thinking in Development Studies (DEVE 515), Development Research Approaches for Just and Regenerative Futures (DEVE 516); and
(ii) 30 points from GEOG 400–488; and
(iii) 30 further points from 400- or 500-level ANTH, CCSP, DEVE, EDUC, ENVI, ESCI, GBUS, GEOG, GOVT, HLWB, HLTH, INTP, MAOR, MGMT, PASI, PECO, PHYG, POLS, PSYC, SOSC, TOUR
3. A candidate for the PGDipDevStud shall normally be enrolled for one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study, and shall complete the requirements within two years of first enrolling for the diploma or the PGDipDevStud. The director may extend this maximum period in special cases.
Future careers
Work in international or local development—either here in Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas. You’ll graduate with skills you can use in any career, including:
- facilitating community and stakeholder engagement
- conducting ethical, effective research
- working inclusively, ethically, and sustainably with diverse groups
- analysing practices in relation to relevant theories of change.
More career information
Find out more about careers in development studies.
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 Development Studies
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The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is undertaking research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington on the interactions and relationship between the public and private sectors in the area of policy and management.
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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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Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol full time, in a Master’s or PhD degree in areas related to identity management and are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
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 Development Studies
-
The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is undertaking research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington on the interactions and relationship between the public and private sectors in the area of policy and management.
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.
Academic staff research areas
Valentine Ibeka
Lecturer, Human Geography and Development Studies
Sara Kindon
Professor
Marcela Palomino-Schalscha
Senior Lecturer
Mirjam Schindler
Senior Lecturer in Human Geography
Polly Stupples
Senior Lecturer in Human Geography
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.