Gain expertise in migration
Migration is increasingly a high-priority issue for governments and organisations around the world. The Postgraduate Diploma in Migration Studies (PGDipMigS) is a broad, multi-disciplinary degree that gives you a deep understanding of migration issues.
By drawing on disciplines like political science, geography, and history, you'll discover what drives migration, the challenges and opportunities it creates, and the consequences of forced and voluntary migration. Choose to examine topics such as the refugee crisis in Europe, or immigration as an election issue.
Throughout, you'll develop your critical thinking, communication, and research skills valuable for your career.
Who can study for this qualification
The PGDipMigS is designed for people already working who need to study around other commitments.
In particular, it suits you if you:
- already work in a migration-related field and want to deepen your understanding of migration theory to complement your practical experience
- seek new expertise for senior policy or leadership positions
- are interested in research into migration questions and you’re looking for a path to an academic career.
To enrol, you need a Bachelor's degree in a relevant area, like geography, history, political science, international relations, or public policy. You should have at least a B grade average in 60 points of 300-level courses in your major subject.
Our postgraduate Migration Studies qualifications
We offer three Postgraduate Migration Studies qualifications. These are ‘staircased’, so that courses completed for one qualification can count towards the next step.
The 180-point Master of Migration Studies provides the most comprehensive study, as it combines coursework with a work placement and practical translation project.
The 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Migration Studies has in-depth study through coursework, but no work placement or translation project.
The 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Migration Studies is an opportunity for professional development over two courses. You can also use it to explore postgraduate study before you commit to the Postgraduate Diploma Master’s.
What you’ll learn
The PGDipMigS recognises that migration is a priority for governments and organisations around the world. It brings different fields of study together to explore what drives migration and shapes its consequences.
It helps you:
- analyse migration policy
- understand migration challenges from multiple perspectives
- find solutions to complex migration issues using evidence-based analysis.
Throughout, you'll develop critical thinking and communications skills.
You’ll learn through a mandatory core course and three elective courses.
The core course: Approaches to Migration Studies
The core course introduces the study of migration from a range of disciplinary perspectives. You’ll look at:
- the central issues, concepts, theories, and debates in the analysis of migration
- how key disciplines—international relations, politics, geography, anthropology, law, and psychology—help us understand migration's causes and consequences.
Your choice of topics
You might choose to study:
- the causes and consequences of human mobility, including refugee flows and highly skilled migrants
- the global history of migration
- management of international migration from a political perspective
- the emotional geographies of forced migration
- the challenges raised by displacement of peoples, and how state and non-state actors respond.
You can also carry out individual study in an area of migration studies, guided by one of our migration experts.
How you’ll study
Studying full time, you can complete the 120-point PGDipMigS in two trimesters, which is around 10 months.
You’ll normally start at the beginning of Trimester 1. The programme director may give you permission to begin in Trimester 2, as long as you can complete the PGDipMigS in Trimester 1 of the following year.
The Diploma is delivered entirely through coursework—there is no research component.
Coursework
You'll complete four 30-point courses: the core course—Approaches to Migration Studies—and three electives.
For most of your courses, you'll attend one three-hour seminar each week for classroom discussions. You may be asked to deliver a presentation at some seminars.
Part-time study options
Studying part time, you’ll complete the PGDipMigS over a maximum of two years.
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 PGDipMigS degree shall have
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree in a 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 1(a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of 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 PGDipMigS
2. The course of study for the Postgraduate Diploma in Migration Studies shall consist of courses worth 120 points consisting of: Approaches to Migration Studies / Ngā Tukanga Tātai Hekenga Tangata (POLS 488) and 90 points from GEOG 416, HIST 429, Directed Individual Study / He Mahi Takitahi i te Mātai Hekenga (MIGS 401), Borders, Migrants and States / Ngā Rohenga, Ngā Tangata heke me ngā Whenua (POLS 416)
3. (a) A candidate for the Postgraduate Diploma in Migration Studies shall normally complete within two years of enrolling.
(b) The associate dean in consultation with the head of school may extend maximum periods in special cases.
4. A candidate who has been awarded the PGDipMigS shall abandon that qualification upon being awarded the MMigS.
Future careers
Your degree gives you a deep knowledge of migration issues and skills in research, communication, and critical analysis. These are valuable for careers in:
- policy analysis
- research
- international development
- community development
- refugee resettlement.
Graduates often find work in:
- governments and public sector agencies in New Zealand and abroad
- NGOs
- media
- research organisations.
More career information
Find out more about careers in.
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 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. 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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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
By studying in Wellington, you'll be able to combine your academic study with direct observations of how New Zealand’s migration policy is made and how it translates in practice. You’ll have access to access to national-level policy debates, parliamentary processes, and the concentrated expertise of government migration specialists.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of our links with national organisations that deal with migration, such as Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Red Cross.
Further research or study
If you do well in your Diploma, you may be able to convert to a Master of Migration Studies (MMigS). You’ll have already met the coursework requirements for the Master’s degree in your Diploma study.
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.