Deepen your understanding of economics

Learn about what drives people’s choices and how those choices affect the world around us. Get a head start in your career with a postgraduate qualification in Economics from the School of Economics and Finance—one of Australasia’s leading centres for teaching and research in the field.

Tailor your studies to your own interests and career goals. You’ll learn to use advanced economic tools and develop a greater range of analytical and research skills. Graduate well prepared for a challenging role in business or the state sector.

Those already working in the field can choose from a flexible range of professional programmes, so that you can study while you work.

Choose your study path

Change focus to study a graduate certificate or diploma

A Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Commerce can be a good way to focus on Economics topics related to work. Or get prepared for further study.

You may also gain a Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Commerce if you don’t finish a Master’s degree, depending on your points and courses.

Study advanced Economics

Deepen your understanding of Economics with:

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts with Honours
  • Bachelor of Commerce with Honours.

Explore Economics research

Learn advanced Economics knowledge or gain research skills with a Master of Commerce.

The Master of Philosophy, Politics and Economics combines three complementary disciplines to give you a broad understanding of the world and social decision-making.

Dive deep into advanced research and make an original contribution to Economics with a PhD.

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.

Two students with laptops are being helped by a third person

Study options

Find out how you can study Postgraduate Economics at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Tohu Tiwhikete Paerunga, Tauhokohoko

Graduate Certificate in Commerce—GCertCom

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Learn about new commerce subjects and gain new skills. Prepare for postgraduate study or enhance your career prospects.
Duration
0.5 Year
Location
Kelburn and Pipitea campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Tauhokohoko

Graduate Diploma in Commerce—GDipCom

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Learn about new commerce subjects and gain new skills. Prepare for postgraduate study or enhance your career prospects.
Duration
1 Year
Location
Kelburn and Pipitea campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Tiwhikete Paerunga, Tauhokohoko

Postgraduate Certificate in Commerce—PGCertCom

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Boost your career by filling gaps in your business knowledge or upskilling in a particular subject area.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn and Pipitea campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paerunga Tauhokohoko

Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce—PGDipCom

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Get ahead in your career and build your expertise by gaining advanced knowledge in a specialised area of business.
Duration
1 year
Location
Pipitea campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paerunga Mahi Toi

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts—PGDipArts

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Explore your area of interest in more detail with advanced learning and research by studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paetahi Hōnore, Tauhokohoko

Bachelor of Commerce with Honours—BCom(Hons)

POSTGRADUATEBACHELOR’S DEGREE WITH HONOURS
Enhance your Bachelor of Commerce degree with advanced study and research into the challenges shaping business and society today.
Duration
1 year
Location
Pipitea campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paetahi (Hōnore)

Bachelor of Arts with Honours—BA(Hons)

POSTGRADUATEBACHELOR’S DEGREE WITH HONOURS
Build on what you studied in your undergraduate degree. Deepen your knowledge through advanced learning and research.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework and research project · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Paerua Tohu Tauhokohoko

Master of Commerce—MCom

POSTGRADUATEMASTER'S DEGREE
Further your understanding of contemporary issues in business and society, and learn advanced research skills.
Duration
2 years
Location
Pipitea campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
180
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework and research · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paerua Ihomatua, Tōrangapū me te Ōhanga

Master of Philosophy, Politics and Economics—MPPE

POSTGRADUATEMASTER'S DEGREE
Combine philosophy, politics, and economics in this unique Master's degree. Prepare for a career making change in politics, government, or related fields.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
180
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework and research project · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Kairangi

Doctor of Philosophy—PhD

POSTGRADUATEDOCTORATE
Study for a PhD to complete advanced research and make an original contribution to your field.
Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn, Pipitea, Te Aro, and Miramar Creative Centre campuses, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Research
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027

Why Wellington

Wellington is the administrative and financial centre of New Zealand. Take advantage of the University's connections with government agencies such as the Treasury and the Reserve Bank, and many private sector institutions and professional bodies. 

International recognition

Wellington School of Business and Government is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide that hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of international business education accreditations. By studying here, you can be confident your qualification will be recognised globally for its quality.

Commerce accreditations

Future careers

Use your advanced understanding of economics to gain a foothold in a career in:

  • business
  • banking
  • public policy
  • law
  • management
  • community development
  • international business
  • teaching
  • research.

Economics graduates have gained employment in businesses, government departments, and consulting and research organisations throughout New Zealand and the world.

More career information

Find out more about careers in Economics.

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 first year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

Scholarships for Economics

  • Closing: 15 November, 2026

    The Scholarship exists to attract and support cellists of outstanding ability and potential to study cello performance at NZSM, and to engage each recipient with the life, artistry, and legacy of Greta Ostova.

  • Worth: $15,000 which may be split among recipients, depending on need and subject to available funds Closing: 15 November, 2026

    Applicants will be current violin, viola or violoncello students, enrolled in the NZSM. A particular of the scholarship is to fund postgraduate study, travel, accommodation and other expenses incurred in the pursuit of such study, both within and outside New Zealand. The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students.

  • Worth: $15000 Closing: 15 November, 2026

    This scholarship is available to students intending to do research at postgraduate level at the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī in the field of Music Education. Master’s or Doctoral research is preferred, though Honours level research and projects may be considered. Research or projects which may lead to qualification or enhanced professional practice of the applicant may...

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 Economics

  • Closing: 15 November, 2026

    The Scholarship exists to attract and support cellists of outstanding ability and potential to study cello performance at NZSM, and to engage each recipient with the life, artistry, and legacy of Greta Ostova.

  • Worth: $15,000 which may be split among recipients, depending on need and subject to available funds Closing: 15 November, 2026

    Applicants will be current violin, viola or violoncello students, enrolled in the NZSM. A particular of the scholarship is to fund postgraduate study, travel, accommodation and other expenses incurred in the pursuit of such study, both within and outside New Zealand. The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students.

  • Worth: $15000 Closing: 15 November, 2026

    This scholarship is available to students intending to do research at postgraduate level at the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī in the field of Music Education. Master’s or Doctoral research is preferred, though Honours level research and projects may be considered. Research or projects which may lead to qualification or enhanced professional practice of the applicant may...

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.

Find out more about MAI ki Pōneke

Academics staff research areas

Jan Feld

Associate Professor

Ilan Noy

Chair in the Economics of Disasters and Climate Change

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.

Two smiling people facing each other across a table

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.

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū