Gain skills in strategy and security
Study for this globally recognised qualification at one of the Asia-Pacific region's best think tanks: the Centre for Strategic Studies.
Develop your understanding of diplomatic, political, and economic strategy around the world. You’ll study strategic thinking since the 19th century, and learn how strategic thinking applies to today’s geopolitical issues.
By researching and analysing global security and strategy issues, you’ll earn the practical skills you need for careers in New Zealand and abroad.
Who can study for this qualification
The PGDipSS is an opportunity to quickly deepen your knowledge of strategic issues and raise your professional skills. It suits you if:
- you’re a recent graduate and want to test your interest in Strategic Studies before committing to further postgraduate study
- you’re already working and need an advanced understanding of strategic and security issues for your current role, or to be eligible for senior roles.
You can enrol in the PGDipSS if you have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject, with at least a B average in 60 points of 300-level courses in your majoring subject or relevant area of study.
Our Postgraduate Strategic Studies qualifications
We offer two Postgraduate Strategic Studies qualifications. These are staircased so that courses completed for one can count towards the next step.
The 180-point Master of Strategic Studies provides the most comprehensive study as it combines coursework with a research course.
The 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Studies has in-depth study and includes the same courses as the Master's, but not the research course.
What you'll learn
You’ll study for the PGDipSS through:
- compulsory courses that give you the foundational context for Strategic Studies
- elective courses that let you shape the PGDipSS to your interests and goals.
Compulsory courses
There are two compulsory core subjects in the PGDipSS:
- Strategic Studies—the history of strategic thinking from Clausewitz to the 21st century, including how strategy has limited international competition and has tried to restrain the use of force
- New Zealand Foreign and Security Policy—New Zealand’s approach to regional issues in Asia and the Pacific, our trade, security and defence policy, and our bilateral and multilateral relationships.
Elective courses
You choose your remaining two courses from a wide range of courses in Strategic Studies, International Politics, and Political Science. For example, you could study topics like:
- International political economy—the interactions between capitalist economies and political institutions at national and international levels, and in relation to specific issue areas like international trade, finance, international institutions, and globalisation.
- International cooperation—when and why states cooperate, how they structure their cooperation, and what roles other domestic and international actors play in the process.
- Asian security—theories of conflict and regional order as applied to the Asia–Pacific region.
- Contemporary democratic theory—what justifies democracy, and how it can work in modern, complex societies.
- Media and election campaigns—the interrelations of media, communication, and politics, especially as they interact in political campaigns and elections
- Wargaming and analytic tradecraft—how to design strategies that shape national security decisions.
How you'll study
The PGDipSS is a taught-course qualification, there's no research component.
Your courses will be a series of lectures that you attend in person or online. Many courses are available in the late afternoon or early evening. Most courses are delivered in person, with some online content, and involve class discussions, debates, and group work.
You should attend in person if you can, although attendance online (via Zoom) is possible if you are based outside the Wellington region.
Studying full time, you can complete the Diploma in two trimesters, which is around 10 months.
Part-time study options
Studying part time, you can complete the Diploma 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 PGDipSS 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 (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 PGDipSS
2. The course of study for the PGDipSS shall consist of:
(a) Strategic Studies (STRA 531);
(b) 60 points from New Zealand Foreign and Security Policy (STRA 515), STRA 530–588; and
(c) 30 further points from New Zealand Foreign and Security Policy (STRA 515), STRA 530–588 or INTP 400–488, POLS 400–488.3.
3. A full-time candidate shall normally complete the requirements of the degree by 28 February in the year after first enrolling for it, and each 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.
4. A candidate who has been awarded the PGDipSS shall abandon that qualification upon being awarded the MSS.
Globally ranked
Our Political Science and International Relations subjects are ranked in the top 150 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Future careers
In general, PGDipSS graduates may work in political environments and in non-profits, NGOs, and government departments.
In particular, the PGDipSS gives you the expertise needed to work in the wider security community, such as with:
- government
- research organisations and think tanks
- civil society
- the private sector.
For example, you might work in policy, research, assessment or analysis jobs in organisations with a foreign affairs, defence, or intelligence role.
The Strategic Studies programme also has a successful track record of getting internships in New Zealand and overseas—a good way to set up your career here or further afield.
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 Humanities and Social Sciences
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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.
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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.
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
-
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 at the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, you’ll be part of our integrated Political Science and International Relations programme. You’ll have access to experts with academic—and practical—expertise in a range of related areas like International Relations, Political Science, and Comparative Politics.
You’ll also study alongside the Centre for Strategic Studies, our globally ranked think-tank at Victoria University of Wellington. You’ll be able to attend seminars and workshops organised by the Centre that feature leading scholars and practitioners from across the region and the world.
Further research or study
If you achieved good results in a related undergraduate degree and have a passion for research, consider our 120-point Master of Strategic Studies (MSS).
This broader and more comprehensive qualification deepens you knowledge of strategic studies and gives you the chance to carry out original research.
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.