Advance your critical thinking and writing skills
Gain a higher qualification and expand your career options with advanced study. You’ll widen your knowledge and develop your critical thinking and writing skills.
You can choose the empowering experience of undertaking independent research in a stimulating and supportive environment. Make use of the University Library’s extensive collection including the trove of information contained in its many databases. Or you can focus on coursework at a higher level.
In our English Literature programme at the School of Arts and Media, you’ll learn from and work with internationally regarded academics doing groundbreaking and widely published research.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study postgraduate English Literature 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
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 English Literature at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Study English literature at a university that has been teaching it since 1899, when Hugh Mackenzie, one of our four founding professors, taught the first classes.
Globally ranked
Our English Literature subjects are ranked in the top 100 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
Recent graduates from our programme are working as academics in New Zealand and around the world. They have published novels, poetry collections, and essays. They're running literary festivals and managing historic places, and they have started small presses and literary journals online.
Postgraduate study in English Literature, such as an Honours or Master’s degree, is helpful for most policy and research roles or where specialised, in-depth analysis is important.
More career information
Find out more about careers related to English literature.
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.
Brian Fox Scholarship in English Literature
This scholarship is open to students majoring in English in a Bachelor of Arts with Honours.
Elaine Geering Scholarship in English Literature
This scholarship is open to Honours, Master's, or PhD students studying English.
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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Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol full time, in a Master’s or PhD degree in areas related to identity management and are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
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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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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
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The scholarship shall be awarded annually to a full-time Master's by thesis student undertaking research in New Zealand's history, cultures and society. Students who are intending to transfer to Victoria University of Wellington from other universities are eligible to apply. This scholarship is open to domestic and international students.
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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.
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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 English Literature and Creative Communication staff specialise in research across a wide range of areas, including:
- Creative Writing
- Early Modern Literature
- Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century Literature
- Environmental Humanities
- Modernisms
- New Zealand Literature.
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.