Understand crime and the criminal justice system in depth
Go deeper into the explanations for crime and the workings of the criminal justice system. Study the characteristics of offenders and how criminal behaviour relates to a wide range of social factors.
You’ll be intellectually challenged while you dig deeply into social realities. Examine who goes to prison, the nature of punishment or the relationship between drugs and crime. Explore the experiences of victims within the justice system, or unpack public perceptions about crime. Consider responses to global problems such as trafficking or terrorism, genocide, or ecocide.
Develop the skills to carry out independent research into justice-related problems. Learn to evaluate a variety of situations with critical thinking. Improve your written and spoken communication as you present your findings.
Choose your study path
Choose which Postgraduate Criminology qualification best suits you according to your career goals, time commitments and eligibility.
Add Criminology to your toolkit
Coursework
Research
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts (thesis)—you’ll need a BA (Hons) to study a Master of Arts in Criminology
- Doctor of Philosophy
Our coursework Postgraduate Criminology qualifications
These qualifications are ‘staircased’—they allow movement in both directions. If you begin by enrolling in the Certificate or Diploma programme, you may be able to continue on to complete a Master's degree. Or 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.
Limited entry
Entry to our coursework Postgraduate Criminology qualifications is limited to 30 students each year.
To apply, you'll need a Bachelor‘s degree or relevant qualification with at least a B average in Criminology, or a related or relevant subject. Applications are then assessed on overall GPA and your capacity to complete study in Postgraduate Criminology.
Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology
This qualification can be a step towards higher study. It can also be an opportunity for specialised professional development.
A Postgraduate Certificate can be studied full or part time. If you study full time, you‘ll complete the Certificate over one trimester. If you study part time, you can take up to two years to complete it.
Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology
Longer than a Certificate, a Diploma allows you to do more in-depth study.
If you study full time, you‘ll complete the 120-point Diploma over two trimesters. If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time and can complete your Diploma over up to two years.
Master of Criminology
This provides the most comprehensive study as it includes coursework and a research dissertation. The degree is delivered over three trimesters, which is one year.
If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time and complete the Master’s in up to three years.
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 Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our decades of study and scholarship—our Institute of Criminology was established in 1974. We’re internationally renowned for world-leading research and teaching in Criminology.
There’s no better place to study Criminology in Aotearoa New Zealand.
As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of decision-making around crime. Study where crime policy gets made and engage with those making it. The main agencies for reducing crime and building safer communities are based in Wellington, including with the Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, and Police National Headquarters.
Globally ranked
Our Sociology 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
Study at postgraduate level can be valuable for careers in policy advice, intelligence, and research. Complementary study in Psychology, Law, or other social science areas can help broaden your employment options.
Postgraduate Criminology graduates gain strong skills in research, analysis, and communication, which are useful in roles including:
- probation officer
- policy analyst
- intelligence analyst
- case manager.
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.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Criminology
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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.
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The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Criminology
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The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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.
Research areas
Our Criminology academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
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.