Dive deeper into the ancient world
Develop a deeper understanding of the classical cultures that underpin the modern world—our political and legal systems, our philosophical and social thought, and the myths and stories you see on the page, stage, and screen.
There are lots of ways to come at Classical Studies. You may choose to study philology, literary criticism, art history, archaeology, political theory, source criticism, sexuality and gender studies, reception theory, anthropology, epigraphy or film theory. Classical Studies allows you to study the ancient world even without an in-depth knowledge of the Latin or Greek languages.
Enhance your toolkit of analytical and communication skills through the rigorous thinking, analysis and understanding of complex issues that comes with advanced study in classics.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study Postgraduate Classical Studies with us.
Postgraduate study pathways
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you'll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you’ll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Focus on coursework
Graduate Certificate in Arts
Graduate Diploma in Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Master of Arts (by coursework)
Focus on research
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Master of Arts (by thesis)
Doctor of Philosophy
Museum and Heritage Studies
Develop your research and professional skills, and learn about topics including museum history, theory and practice. Get deep insights into the history, theory, and contemporary practice of heritage, tourism, and leisure.
We offer a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and Master of Museum and Heritage Practice.
Qualification 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 through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Classical Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Visit our Classics Museum—Te Whare Taonga o te Puāwaitanga
The Classics Museum is a collection of antiquities—mostly Greek and Roman—including terracotta vases and other objects used in daily life, including a sizeable collection of coins.
Objects from the collection are brought out of the cases for you to learn, and the Curator often hosts visits from school groups and other learners. The Museum is also equipped as a teaching space, and many Classics undergraduate tutorials and Honours seminars are held there.
Globally ranked
Our History subjects are ranked in the top 200 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
Postgraduate study in Classics, like an Honours or Master’s degree, is helpful for policy and research roles. Advanced skills in research, analysis and problem-solving are useful for a range of careers.
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.
Other scholarships
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 was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
Scholarships for international students
We are 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
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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
Hamish Cameron
Senior Lecturer in Classics
Diana Burton
Associate Professor
Ziming Liu
Lecturer in Classics
Simon Perris
Associate Professor
Babette Puetz
Senior Lecturer
Jeff Tatum
Professor of Classics
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.